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June is upon us, Brothers. 

The days will be longer until we reach the Summer Solstice on June 21st, then, almost imperceptibly, the days will begin to shorten.  This event should serve to remind us that we should work while we can, as our days continually grow shorter as we travel towards our ultimate reward.

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Recently, I was reminded in a very meaningful way that our plans for worthwhile work are contained within the Volume of Sacred Law, referred to as the Holy Bible in California Masonry, which is central to our meetings and ritual.  Within its pages, as well as other holy books used by our brethren, are contained the words and instructions given from the mouth of the Great Architect to his craftsmen on Earth.  As we follow these plans, our work can be completed correctly.

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I am currently studying what is referred to as the Old Testament in the Holy Bible, and I was unexpectedly impressed by an account I read concerning an event that takes place in the book of Joshua. I think it has application for us as Masons who are striving to reflect through our work our faith in the Great Architect.

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At the beginning of the book of Joshua, the Israelites had been wandering in the desert for almost 40 years by commandment of God, through the leadership of Moses. 

Two generations have passed since Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and Moses has also recently been carried into heaven.  God has granted that the Israelites can now obtain the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. 

As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies into Jericho, the strongest city of Canaan, to gather intelligence concerning the city. (Joshua 2:1) The spies entered Rahab the Harlot’s house, which was built into the city wall. Rahab may be remembered in the Bible as a harlot living within the walls of Jericho, but Rahab’s story is ultimately not one of shame. 

Instead, we can view it as one of courage, redemption, and faith demonstrated through action.

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When the king of Jericho learned of the presence of the spies and ordered that the men be surrendered, Rahab instead concealed the spies upon her rooftop beneath stalks of flax and directed the king’s messengers elsewhere.

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What makes this account so compelling is not merely that Rahab hid the spies, but why she did so. When the spies inquired of Rahab why she had protected them, Rahab confessed that she had heard of the mighty works of their God, the God of Israel, and believed that the land in which she resided was His. (Joshua 2:9-13)

Although she had not known of their religion, she knew that the God of Israel was true because of the works which the Israelites had accomplished following their freedom from Pharaoh. Her faith was not passive belief alone. She acted upon it at great personal risk.

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In return for her faith in them and her work in protection, the Israelites instructed Rahab to place a scarlet cord in her window so that she and her household would be spared when Jericho inevitably fell. When the walls of the city finally collapsed, Rahab and her family alone were preserved because her faith had been proven by her deeds.  (Joshua 6)​

This principle - that true belief must manifest itself through action - should resonate deeply with every Freemason.

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Freemasonry has never taught that morality is measured merely by words, professions, or outward appearances. Rather, the Craft reminds us that true virtue is demonstrated through action. A Mason is called to labor diligently in the pursuit of self-improvement while striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Our teachings urge us not only to speak of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, but to embody these principles through our daily conduct, decisions, and interactions. In this way, we transform Masonic ideals from noble concepts into a living reality.

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The story of Rahab reminds us that works matter.

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It is easy to admire virtue in the abstract. It is far more difficult to act virtuously when doing so involves inconvenience, sacrifice, or personal risk. Rahab chose courage over fear, action over passivity, and faith over self-preservation. In doing so, she became remembered not for her former condition, but for the righteousness of her deeds.

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Likewise, the Mason is not judged merely by what he claims to believe, but by the work he performs upon the spiritual temple of his own character.

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Every lodge often speaks of labor. We refer to our meetings as work, we employ the tools of operative Masonry as symbols of moral instruction, and we are repeatedly reminded that no temple is erected without effort.

Yet it is possible to admire the symbolism of the Craft while neglecting the actual labor it requires.

A lodge does not become strong through titles, nor through ritual proficiency, nor through good intentions alone. It becomes strong when its members actively engage in the work of Masonry - mentoring younger brethren, supporting one another in times of hardship, practicing charity, seeking wisdom, and striving to improve themselves in both conduct and character.

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Though Rahab came from humble and imperfect circumstances, she demonstrated faith, loyalty, courage, and moral conviction. Her actions transformed her legacy. In later generations, she would even be remembered among the ancestors of King David and, according to Christian tradition, within the lineage of Christ Himself. (Matthew 1:5)

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Such examples should encourage every Mason. None of us is a perfect ashlar stone when we begin our journey, nor will our ashlars become perfect while we labor in mortality. We each come to the Craft with imperfections, weaknesses, and unfinished work. Yet through faithful labor, discipline, and sincere effort, we may gradually shape ourselves into better men.​

The lesson of Rahab is therefore not merely one of faith, but of active faith — faith made visible through labor and deeds.

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As Masons, may we remember that the principles we profess are meant to be lived. May we not simply admire the working tools, but take them up. May we not merely praise virtue, but practice it. And may our actions, like those of Rahab long ago, demonstrate the sincerity of the principles we claim to hold dear.

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