The flaming heart may be used to symbolize zeal and devotion, but it may also symbolize religious or spiritual commitment and inspiration. The letters I.H.S. may be translated Iesus Hominum Salvator or In Hoc Signo, or, as used by some denominations, In His Sign. It is not necessary to make a Christian interpretation of the letters, however, because they may also be taken to stand for Imperium, Harmonia, Sapientia, giving the same meaning as the three letters on the sides of the triangle, Power, Harmony, and Wisdom.

The jewel hangs around the neck on a ribbon of watered purple silk.

The apron is scarlet, with a wide border of white. In the center of the apron is a green equilateral triangle. Within the green triangle is the jewel, embroidered in gold. The effect then, as seen in the painting by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°, on the facing page, is to create a triple triangle-one green, one scarlet, and one gold. The flap of the apron is sky blue.

The cordon is a broad tricolored ribbon of green, white, and red. It is worn from right to left. The colors of the cordon give a key to the symbolism of the Degree. Green is symbolic of the infinite wisdom of the Deity. Red is symbolic of His unlimited power or force. White symbolizes divine harmony, since it is produced by the presence of all colors in perfect proportion.

The 26° takes us into the early Christian mysteries just as the preceding Degrees have taken us into the mysteries of other faiths. We are told that in the earliest days, Christianity was taught by a series of initiations, echoes of which still survive today in the Baptism of the Catechumens and the Mass of the Faithful.

During the Degree, we are told of the basic beliefs of many of the world's ancient religions and shown that the idea of Trinity was central to most of them. Almost all religions have conceived of the Deity as having the attributes of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty or of Harmony or Balance (the last three being largely synonymous). Another way to say it is that God must possess the Intellect to conceive a universe, the Power to create it, and the sense of Harmony or Equilibrium to bring that Intellect and Power together in such a way as to create. While we may think of that idea as belonging to the Judeo-Christian tradition, it is, in fact, difficult to find an ancient religion which did not hold much the same view.

The lessons of the 26° are forgiveness and toleration. Obviously, those ideas are closely linked. People primarily offend against others through intolerance. Most of the trespasses against you, which you are called upon to forgive, are the result of intolerance of one form or another. Surely, then, you have an obligation not to offend against others in the same way.

Jim Tresner
is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's highest honor, during the Supreme Council's October 1997 Biennial Session. 

Stated Meeting

2ND TUESDAY MONTHLY

 6:15 Dinner 7:00 Stated Meeting

E-mail or call 323-5234 to RSVP dinner.