DInner is SERVED

You have been invited.

My brother, is it not true that we like to eat food in the company of other people? If you are invited to a brother’s home, or to meet in public a meal involved yes?

The great light in Masonry teaches us the parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:15-24. I encourage you to read this book my brothers and contemplate the message of this teaching. The supreme architect of the universe created you and he knows what is best for you. He left us this great gift so that we may have a rule and guide to lead us to greater happiness and to fulfill your purpose on this celestial body during your limited time here.   

Jesus said “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” He explains that a certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  He sent his servant to tell those who were invited, “Come, for everything is ready.” But they all began to make excuses.  The first said, “I have just bought a field, and must go and see it. Please excuse me.”  Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out, please excuse me.” Still another man said, “I just got married, so I can’t come.”  Brothers, have we not all heard excuses when inviting guests to share in what you have prepared for them to enjoy?

When the servant returned and reported what he was told the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant to go out quickly and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame and he did this. When the servant returned he reported that he invited all of those people but there was still room. He ordered him to go out and invite more from further away so that his house would be full. The master told his servant, “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.”

My brother, think about this message.  The Supreme Architect of the universe has invited you into his house to enjoy his banquet! There is surely no greater place to be! He has extended his hand to you and you are invited to take it, join him, and enjoy the banquet that has already been prepared for you. My brother if you have not accepted his invitation I urge you to stop what you are doing right now and accept his invitation, invite Jesus into your heart and life, and enjoy that banquet! Do not make excuses as to why you will not accept, for if you do you will not get a taste of what he has prepared for you.

My brother, think about how this parable represents your lodge. Do you not have a beautiful lodge? Has it not been prepared for you in a pleasing way?  It is not always ready to receive you and offer you a banquet of brotherly love and affection? To be clear, when I say Lodge I refer not to a building or room but to it’s members.  It is worthy and accepted men that make up this lodge, anywhere we may meet.  My brother… did you not knock on the door and ask yourself to be invited in? Were you not accepted?

Why is it now that you would make an excuse to not come when invited to enjoy the beautiful banquet that has been prepared for you? Brother I am here to tell you that the feast has already begun. There are brothers in this lodge that are experiencing all of the benefits of it and you are missing out if you are not there! Come and enjoy the fruits of sharing your time and life with other worthy brothers that want to share their life with you. Do not eat alone! Do not make silly excuses!

My Brother, there are many empty seats in our house. The lodge sends out many invites. Your leadership wants this house to be full. The lodge should never interfere with your usual vocations, your duty to god or your family, or your time for rest and recuperation. However I encourage you to divide your time in meaningful ways. The twenty four inch gauge reminds us to manage our time to make room for what is important.  I assure you brother, when you make time in your life to attend the banquet that has been offered to you, then you will walk away full and satisfied. All of our lives will be blessed when you partake of what is offered here. Do you not believe that the supreme architect is not present when his people gather to enjoy this banquet?  

My brother when you are asked to help on a committee, show up and take a position in the lodge, enjoy fellowship with your brothers, or help with a charity event, it is not your physical labor that is desired. It is your presence that is desired! The banquet that has been prepared for you at the lodge is that of brotherly love and affection and wholesome instruction that will change your life. This is available to you only if you decide to accept and be a part of it.

Jesus taught us about hospitality in the parable of the banquet. Remember that the master told his servant “Not one of those invited will get a taste of my banquet.”  Those that did not attend the banquet valued other things more than what was being offered.  I would encourage you to not only attend lodge, but divide your time and make a place for your brothers in your daily life to share in that brotherly banquet that has been prepared for you. This does not have to interfere with your normal vocation or commitments. It should enhance your life in all ways.  Invite your brothers who are not here to fill these empty seats at the table.  Pick up the phone and call a brother every day to converse with them and encourage them. Get involved in what is going on at the banquet you will surely get your fill.

My brother, I do not say these things to trifle with you. Your membership and occasional attendance at functions is greatly appreciated. The purpose of this is to encourage your to examine the rough and superfluous things in your life that are preventing you from enjoying all that the brotherly love and affection of your lodge has to offer. It is not expected that you attend every event. In fact, if your life should have balance. If you are one of the people doing ALL of the work of the lodge to hold it together for the benefit of everyone else, consider making balance. Do not prevent another brother from having the opportunity to step up and lead in those areas.  If you are not meeting all of your other obligations in life, then surely attend to those first.  However if you find that your life could use some enhancement or improvement, do not forget to pick up the phone and call another brother to catch up, or attend the regular banquet prepared for you here at the lodge. Do not eat alone my brother.