April, 2009

FORTITUDE
I have been doing a lot of reflection on the seven moral principles we learn in our degrees, the three tenets: brotherly love, relief and truth; and more recently, the four Cardinal Virtues: temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.  It just so happened as I was doing some research that I caught hold of an article by a brother from Whitefish Bay, Richard D. Marcus.  This article centered me on the virtue of fortitude and what it truly means in our Masonic lives.  The following is the explanation by Brother Richard D. Marcus of the four Cardinal Virtues as displayed here:

The four figures, at first glance, appear to be goddesses or Muses. But, as with most symbols, careful examination reveals hidden truths. Beginning at the far right figure, we see Justice with two key symbols. Justice holds a scale. The scale assures fairness in all actions. In the marketplace, a businessman gives fair value and a true accounting. But resting by her side is Justice's sword. Injustice should meet swift and sure punishment.

To the left of Justice is Prudence. She displays several complex symbols. Prudence wears a helmet, which crowns her as being wise. Wisdom and prudence are associated: we are also to be wise. Her helmet further is seen as a mask with eye openings. A wise person uses prudence in secrets that have been given us. At her feet is a bush, which Masons would recognize as an Acacia. Acacia reminds us of our own mortality and our being raised as Master Masons. Prudence further wraps her outer garment around her to encourage us to practice prudence with others.

On the extreme left stands Temperance. She pours a measured amount of refreshment into a cup. It may be water or wine, but her careful attention displays temperance, reserve, and moderation. Temperance provides a balance to the more dynamic virtue of fortitude.

The second figure from the right is Fortitude. On quick analysis, she seems to be rather vane as she examines herself in a golden mirror. The mirror, however, is itself a symbol. Vampires allegedly cannot see their reflection in a mirror as they have no souls. But we see ourselves in the mirror. We know who we are. We learn to reflect on ourselves: Will we have sufficient fortitude when calamity strikes? Around her waist is tied a black cinch to hold her garments together. Should Fortitude need to travel, she is prepared for action. She will not be held back to secure other garments. In her arm, Fortitude nestles a staff from which new leaves of an almond tree are budding. This recalls the Book of Numbers, Chapter 17, wherein Aaron's rod miraculously blossomed as evidence that God chose him as High Priest. As the wand of leadership, Fortitude is holding the same symbol that Kings and Queens hold as scepters and a College Marshall holds during Commencement as the college mace. Lodge officers similarly wield rods and wands as symbols of leadership.

We see that fortitude is essential for true leadership. Without fortitude, no one can succeed. Life sometimes gets difficult. There is always the temptation to give in or to give up. When we show fortitude, we learn to "stick it out" and overcome obstacles to accomplish goals. (Marcus).

Whether we step forth with our hearts, minds or bodies, remember the virtue of fortitude.  Leaders who embody the virtues we are taught, and who find a way to stand tall while facing adversity, are truly heroic and have found their path to betterment.  Enter your future with similar confidence that within you is fortitude that will rise and fall to support you and your efforts.  “Men with fortitude reject temerity and timidity.  They have courage to match their convictions.  They inspire confidence, invite action, and generate progress.”  (Marcus).

Shane R. Beecraft, Worshipful Master