a higher expression

Posted on 16th May 2012 by mikebertelsen in creativity,society,technology - Tags: , ,

The world’s vast distances have been spanned by humankind’s inventive genius. The world is smaller because we are bound in one continuous bundle of life. What happens in any country on Earth may affect the happiness and peace of the entire world.

What is merely local and provincial in our thinking must yield to a global understanding and a world view. The world is lighted from within and our common task should be pledged to keep it aflame with humankind’s larger measure of liberty, faith, and peace.

With technological advances to explore, we need to get more acquainted with the old so we may be able to better understand the new. Focus on the growing technological, cultural and societal changes and the hope that with more understanding there can be a better sense of how we can improve the world and our lives in general. May we feel the need to explore, learn and assemble new ideas, dreams, goals and thoughts for a better life.

A recent study by Harvard University suggests why we use social media sites and networks. It is to connect. A very quick conclusion is we lack self-esteem. We like to talk about ourselves and social networks allow us to do that.

But we do lack face to face communication. This could translate into lack of overall communication. Has social networks and media filled this gap? Global organizations have systems that never relied on face to face communication. Should we concentrate more on global organizations? Let’s get acquainted more with the old before you venture to the new.

In doing so, will we make ourselves feel better? According to the study, most likely yes. Can we concentrate on social bonds and social alliances? Will developing a social network add value to the organization? If the organization is not communicating that well face to face, will overall communication improve? These are core questions.

 Don’t be insensitive to the local needs while assessing the global understanding. The social network is a higher vehicle for human expression. Consider the content that is posted. As Master Masons, keep with our greater knowledge and wisdom.

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de laude novae militae

Posted on 16th February 2011 by mikebertelsen in history,society - Tags: , ,

In 1192 A.D., 5192 A.L. St. Bernard wrote a spiritual direction of what was a new order of knights. The Knight Templars were pristine in their commitment to Christ, and they were willing to protect all that was sacred for Christianity in the Holy Land.

They were an organized force of agreeable persons who decided to defend the Church of God from attacks. This Knighthood still exists and the spirit of victory inspires them today. This Order may not be against a foe whom goes after the Church, but this foe is out to conquer people who have no way to defend themselves. This enemy uses sheer terror to dominate and destroy those who stand in their way.

This Knighthood may not be members of the Knights Templar proper, but the mission of the Knights Templar is alive in these modern-day warriors.

From De Laude Novae Militae:

“Go forth confidently then, you knights, and repel the foes of the cross of Christ with a stalwart heart. Know that neither death nor life can separate you from the love of God which is Jesus Christ; And in every peril repeat, “Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

“I do not mean to say that the pagans are to be slaughtered when there is another way to prevent them from harassing and persecuting the faithful, …”

If the modern knight serves under the flag of a secular nation, it does not matter. If such a knight serves privately, it does not matter. What does matter is service up to the standards set by St. Bernard and what is in mind and heart of every such knightly person.

Such a knighthood cannot flourish in an unjust society. The new knighthood must look to our own society as to instilling justice and morality.

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