Council of Kadosh
The apron is white, lined with scarlet and bordered with red, blue and purple ribbons. In the middle is painted or embroidered the golden candelabrum with seven lights. Josephus, the great Jewish historian, is the source of the design of the apron. He defines the symbolism of the colors as follows: white, the earth, from which the flax used in fine linen is grown; red - fire, from its color; blue - the sky, for the same reason; and purple - the sea, for it derives from a sea mollusk. But to us there are deeper meanings: white - the infinite beneficence of God; blue - His profound and perfect wisdom; red - His glory; and purple - His power. The candelabrum symbolizes to us, as to the ancients, the seven planets: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It also represents the seven archangels and seven of the ten manifestations of Deity; specifically, the seven Sephiroth which follow Will, Wisdom and Understanding: Justice, Mercy, Beauty, Glory, Victory, Dominion and Kingdom.
A red leather belt is also worn, fringed along the lower edge with gold, from which hangs the jewel.
The jewel is a small silver censer, or ornamental cup, with a long handle; the end serves as a stand for the cup and is shaped like an open hand. It should remind us to offer up unceasingly to God the incense of good deeds and charitable actions dictated by a pure and upright heart. DUTIES Be devoted to the service of God. Constantly endeavor to promote the welfare of man. Act with proper subordination to your superiors.
LESSONS Simple faith is wiser than vain philosophy. A society's concept of the Deity and the universe are consistent with its development.
FOR REFLECTION What is the nature of God?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS The standards of the twelve tribes of Israel, darkness, light, the colors: scarlet, white and purple.
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