From the East
Important February Dates:
· Wednesday February 1st Regular Communication Dinner 6pm Gavel 7pm
· Tuesday February 7th Brothers of Literature 7pm
· Tuesday February 14th Valentine’s Day. So, you may ward off approaching danger
· Wednesday February 15th Master Mason Degree. Gavel 6:30pm dinner during refreshment
· Wednesday February 22nd Master’s Table Metzger’s 7pm
February is the month of Love, but we tend to only think of romantic love during this month. The Romans had eight different words for love Philia, Storge, Pragma, Eros, Ludus, Mania, Philautia, and Agape. While Pragma, Eros, Ludus and sometimes even Mania, are all kind of wrapped up into our modern idea of love we should also spend this month contemplating the other four. As masons the first one to grab our attention is:
Philia is love without romantic attraction and occurs between friends or family members. It occurs when both people share the same values and respect each other — it’s commonly referred to as “brotherly love.”
Philia when built up on can turn into something greater Storge
Storge is a naturally occurring love rooted in parents and children, as well as best friends. It’s an infinite love built upon acceptance and deep emotional connection. This love comes easily and immediately in parent and child relationships.
The last two are the highest, and often the hardest. They can be interwoven and sometimes mutually exclusive
Agape is the highest level of love to offer. It’s given without any expectations of receiving anything in return. Offering Agape is a decision to spread love in any circumstances — including destructive situations. Agape is not a physical act, it’s a feeling, but acts of self-love can elicit Agape since self-monitoring leads to results.
Philautia is a healthy form of love where you recognize your self-worth and don’t ignore your personal needs. Self-love begins with acknowledging your responsibility for your well-being. It’s challenging to exemplify the outbound types of love because you can’t offer what you don’t have.
Note: Our Master Mason degree will begin at 6:30 pm dinner will be served between first and second section.