The Desert of Human Life - Meditations on the 17th Degree

Tis the season for Scottish Rite Reunions and that means scrambling for memory work and drinking from a firehose once again...

Nevertheless, as Scottish Rite Masons, we should all acknowledge the preciousness of these reunions, these sacred rites of our brotherhood, and hold them with the dearest reverence in our hearts as the opportunity to learn more about our noble craft.

I like to relax into a state of meditative focus when I am learning or observing these kinds of things, the same state that I like to put myself in when I am in church or perhaps outdoors looking at a large mountain pass or a beautiful river.

In this state it seems that ideas can flow freely in and out of one's mind, springing often from that ineffable source of all ideas that often seem so close yet so far. In the opening of our Tennessee Lodges, we are reminded that Wisdom is found in contemplation.

That statement alludes to the endless realm of ethereal knowledge that dwells within each one of us as human beings, as men, and more especially as initiates.

As I listened to the Venerable Preceptor of the 17th degree proclaim his Essenic truths to the class of the Valley of Nashville there was one line and idea that struck me at my heart.

It is a line contained in the duties of the Venerable Preceptor and metaphorically refers to human life as a desert. As I let this idea marinate in the recesses of my mind I came to a beautiful appreciation for what this statement means and how I could use it to examine the world and my relationship to God.

Rather than telling you all about what I think, I would like for you to meditate on this idea yourself.

The Desert of Human Life...

Why is human life a desert?
Why is it so dry?
Why are we so lost?
Where can we find the spring we so desperately seek?
How does the Scottish Rite help us navigate this desert?
Who can we count on to wander this desert with us?
What might we find in the oasis that awaits us?

If you feel so inclined, go ahead and read through your ritual book for the 17th degree and bask in the beautiful teachings that this extraordinary allegory desires to impress upon every one of our minds as Masons.

So mote it be.