March 2012

Sir Knight John K. March
Right Eminent Grand Commander
Templar Year 2011-2012

Greetings and Salutations to all Sir Knights Wherever Dispersed:

We are now entering the second week of Lent, a special time of penance, prayer and sacrifice in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words lencten, meaning “spring,” and lenctentid, which not only means “springtide” but also was the word for “March,” the month in which the majority of Lent falls.

We, as Knights Templar, should at all times be prayerful, giving thanks to the Great Captain of our Salvation for our bounty and good fortune, keeping in mind, and asking blessings for, all of mankind and more especially our brethren in Freemasonry. Penance and sacrifice should go hand in hand at all times; “for all men err and erring need repentance.” This applies more especially during the observance of Lent.

We have all heard the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” In essence, the question is, what will you sacrifice to pay your penance?  I submit, for such a sacrifice to be meaningful, what you give up should be something that you enjoy.  Of course, what you give up is also likely to be unhealthy, such as smoking, an extra helping of your favorite food, or even your favorite libation (adult or otherwise).  Nevertheless, by giving up these things, you may be saving money at the same time. So why not make our sacrifices do “double duty”?  Perhaps you could donate the money saved by your sacrifice to your Commandery’s efforts “…to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and bind up the wounds of the afflicted…” You may be amazed at the improvement in your health Maybe, your Lenten sacrifice will usher in the beginning of a new and healthier lifestyle for you.  Which, in a small way, is reminiscent of Jesus’ sacrifice onCalvary’s Cross, which was the beginning of a new life for all mankind?

Easter is celebrated by Christians worldwide as the day when Christ passed through the portals of the grave and rose from the dead, giving us the promise of Eternal Life. Knights Templar celebrate this glorious day with Sunrise Services in many places and Churches throughout the world. Knights Templar in the United States of Americahave two special Easter Sunrise Services sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. On the East Coast one has been held for many years at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. This year will be no exception. You can go to the Grand Encampment website: www.knightstemplar.org/82ndAnnualEasterSunriseService.pdf for complete information. Click on the links included there for Hotel and Meal information.

Come and share the new birth of man with your fraters inAlexandria.  I look forward to greeting the dawn with you.

Courteously,

John K. March, GC

NOTE: The Pennsylvania Knights Templar Auto Tag has been approved by PA. Department of Transportation

May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced.  May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God. Amen.