January 2012
Aloha Brethren,
As we commence another year, I wish you all a happy, prosperous and dynamic New Year!
The year 2012 (MMXII) of the Common Era (CE) or Anno Domini (AD) is shrouded with a variety of beliefs, ranging from the spiritually transformative to the apocalyptic. Much of these claims are based on various interpretations of the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar, more popularly known as the Maya Calendar.
The concept of spiritual transformation was advanced by Kenneth Pargament and Raymond Paloutzian, two scholars in psychology of religion. To Pargament, spiritual transformation refers to “a fundamental change in the place of the sacred or the character of the sacred in the life of the individual. Spiritual transformation can be understood in terms of new configurations of strivings." Paloutzian suggests that "spiritual transformation constitutes a change in the meaning system that a person holds as a basis for self-definition, the interpretation of life, and overarching purposes and ultimate concerns." Either way, such spiritual transformation can be a forceful springboard for change in our personal lives as Masons.
Contemporary scholars and scientists have reasonably disputed apocalyptic versions. We, therefore, would make a better use of our time thinking positively and working constructively and productively.
For one thing, we do have one extra day this year, it being a leap year. It might be a good investment of this extra day -- February 29, a Wednesday -- to have it spent on Masonic education and fellowship.
I have proposed at the installation that we adopt for this year the theme “Sharing Aloha With The World.” Aloha is brotherly love, relief and truth in a nutshell, and we will endeavor to share it not only within our circle -- in our Lodge -- but with brethren in other lodges in the jurisdiction, with all our brethren whithersoever dispersed, and across humanity regardless of race, national origin, creed, gender, age, and any form of distinction.
The year 2012 marks the 160th anniversary of Hawaiian Lodge, it having been instituted and first chartered (under the Grand Lodge of California) in 1852. It will also be the 75th anniversary of the Makiki Masonic Lodge which was erected in 1937. These two historic milestones will propel us to a busy year.
Let us, therefore, come together, in the spirit of Masonic Brotherhood, and work for a united and productive year.
Fraternally,
Brother Raymund Liongson
Worshipful Master, Hawaiian Lodge