The following six human needs were part of a weekly email I received, and I copied it, not knowing how I might use it.

What every human being wants and needs

1. 1. To be part of something larger than themselves
   2. To be paid attention to
   3. To be listened to
   4. To be respected
   5. To be loved
   6. To matter

As I thought about these simple human desires, I opened my Masonic ritual and read several paragraphs in the EA lecture describing Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

It is pretty clear that, as Masons, we must endeavor to fulfill these needs for others.

Masonic lessons teach us we should:

1. 1. Recognize everyone is created by one Almighty Parent
   2. Aid, support, and protect each other
   3. Relieve others in distress
   4. Soothe the unhappy, sympathize with their misfortunes, compassionate their miseries, and restore peace to their troubled minds
   5. Promote each other’s welfare and rejoice in each other’s prosperity

Reflecting on these obligations, you realize how difficult the tasks are.

How do you pay attention and listen to someone when what they say is so foul, vile, or hateful toward others? How is it possible to love and respect someone who, by their actions, has no regard for the lives or well-being of others?

The above questions are difficult to answer, so the ritual points us to temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice to deal with unpleasant and difficult situations.

Mother Teresa said about people’s capacity to accomplish significant tasks, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

So, in those difficult times when trying to carry out our Masonic obligations, we do what we can with Brotherly Love.

Mother Teresa said this about love:

“Spread love everywhere you go: first of all, in your own home. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next-door neighbor . . . Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.”

I guess, All You Need is Love – Lennon-McCartney 1967

Have a Great Masonic Day!