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The three basic tenets of Freemasonry are brotherly love, relief and truth. It is by operating under these basic principles that Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better. We are not only "obligated" in our individual Lodges, but we take on a larger sense of moral obligation as Masons.

It is this moral obligation that implores us to assist a brother in need. While there is a corporate structure in place to provide assistance, perhaps the aid that means the most comes from one's own Lodge.

The Masonic Homes provide excellent care to those brothers and their Ladies who can no longer live alone or those who freely choose to join the Masonic Home community.

Masonic Outreach Services provides a multitude of services to those who have fallen on hard times or whose health may be failing.

While these services are exemplary, they cannot replace the personal touch of a phone call from a Lodge member, or perhaps, a warm meal and friendly conversation. A lodge may even choose to take up a collection to provide for the needs of one of their members. The number of ways we can help a fellow Lodge member in need are countless. What we must remember however, is that it is our duty to show some form of brotherly love.