Blessings on this peaceful Sunday. For those of you watching a storm outside, or listening to the kids kick each other, remember that the peace of forgiveness from Christ is above all else. And remember to pass that forgiveness on to your children!

Some thoughts on Colossians 2:10-11 “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all the principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.”

As we attend church, or sit around relaxing this weekend, as we become increasingly bored I mean, remember the “circumcision” without hands which Christ has given you. Not debating the merits or demerits of actual circumcision, lets consider the symbolism. Jewish custom held that circumcision was intended to keep the flesh clean, to remove from it the “dirty” foreskin for the benefit of the man. While some hold that man is Predestined to come to Christ, others believe it is a calling from the Holy Spirit, and others that absolute free will is the only option; in any case, Christ has cut off from us the dirt of sin, and just as removing the foreskin does not clean absolutely, so it is our duty to guard against a sinful life, or more importantly, so seek living righteously (by practicing the beatitudes perhaps?). Even the Apostle Paul says 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 ” Do not be deceived:’Evil company corrupts good habits.’ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”
Brothers, as Masons we are taught nothing less, and are given the Common Gavel to divest ourselves of vices, and who would argue that this is a bad thing?

Remember: Forgive liberally, help the distressed, encourage the heavyhearted.