When is it permissible to respond to the grand distress sign to save a life?

• A. When there is a greater probability of saving the distressed brother's life than losing your own.
• B. Only when the lodge commands you.
• C. Only if you know the brother well.
• D. Never respond; ignore distress signs.

Answer: (A)

The situation tests the duty to come to a brother’s aid while weighing personal risk. The Grand Distress Sign is a call for help from a fellow Mason in danger, and the right response is to act when there’s a real chance to save life without placing yourself at unwarranted risk. In other words, you should respond when there is a greater probability of saving the distressed brother’s life than of losing your own. If the danger to you far outweighs the potential benefit, it’s prudent to refrain. This obligation isn’t about waiting for lodge commands or needing to know the brother well; it’s about acting to relieve suffering within reasonable bounds of safety. Ignoring distress signs would violate the instinct to aid a brother in peril.