Above all, the friends need to remain ever conscious of the magnitude of the spiritual forces that are at their disposition. They are members of a community “whose world-embracing, continually consolidating activities constitute the one integrating process in a world whose institutions, secular as well as religious, are for the most part dissolving”. Of all the peoples of the world, “they alone can recognize, amidst the welter of a tempestuous age, the Hand of the Divine Redeemer that traces its course and controls its destinies. They alone are aware of the silent growth of that orderly world polity whose fabric they themselves are weaving. (27 December 2005, Universal house of Justice to the Conference of the Continental Counsellors)
As I watch so many terrible things unfold as the world continues its relentless descent into darkness as the Old World Order is being rolled up, my prayers and the prayers of people all over the world intensify. I’ve been encouraged time after time, at the soft landing of many events which could have unfolded much more disastrously than they have, and I’m reminded of this quote. We do trust that we have spiritual forces at our disposal, which is why we pray, both individually and collectively in our devotional gatherings.
What I often forget, though, is that we Bahá’ís are members of a community “whose world-embracing, continually consolidating activities constitute the one integrating process in a world whose institutions . . . are . . . dissolving”; and that we alone “can recognize . . . the Hand of the Divine Redeemer that traces its course and controls its destinies; and that we alone are aware of the silent growth of that orderly world . . . whose fabric we ourselves are weaving.
I so often take for granted that my puny efforts are weaving the fabric of the new world order. I forget that my little efforts at prayers and the core activities and other undertakings of our Bahá’í community are being supported by spiritual forces I can call on, at all times. Remembering that is what keeps me going.
Knowing that the Hand of the Divine Redeemer is tracing the course of world events and controls its destinies, I can relax and I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Learning How to Consult Effectively
Love your analogy enjoy reading…
Hope you are well…we in London, Ont are bring very careful and I am not going out much, just shop for groceries, taking walks and that is about it….i speak with Nancy who also is staying in her home…haven’t seen my friends in nearly a year now, but our dear Lord has told us to take care of our planet and uniting the our citizens….but alas, we have not been doing…..I am also saddened for the American people and have been praying for peace….all the best Susan to you and family 😷😷💖💖🙏🙏
Thanks so much Ann.
I’m well Ann, thanks for asking. I’m trying to keep ahead of the relentless number of opportunities for my spiritual growth, made a lot more complex during COVID times.
“ the core activities and other undertakings of our Bahá’í community are being supported by spiritual forces I can call on, at all times. Remembering that is what keeps me going.”.
Ditto. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I love when people say they feel the same things I feel, Simona. It really helps me feel connected to the whole!
100% agree with your comments Susan.
I love to know they resonated Simona!
Without those spiritual forces keeping me afloat and encouraging me, I would have given up many, many times in the past five decades. Every once in a while the veil is opened and I percieve a bit of reality. That encourages me SO MUCH to continue. Last week, as our civilization tottered precariously (again), I needed to go into town to get my truck after being repaired. I could have asked for a ride, but choose not to bother anyone. As i set out on my trek, the music of Ode to Joy filled my mind unbidden. I knew it was the right decision. I have walked further, but not this route or distance. I made it in an hour and forty minutes, not bad I thought for 4.5 miles on the shoulder of a highway. I guess this is just to say that we can accomplish many things we’re not sure we’re capable of doing. Those spiritual forces are with us. I recited prayers the entire way. I trust that has an effect. It may already have – a new seeker made contact yesterday. Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha!!!
I love real life stories such as these, Duane! Keep them coming!
Thank you for your inspiring articles. Love from Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Thanks so much for the encouragement Rochelle.
I just loved to read this post, I am so much attracted by this theme.
Allow me to suggest you to listen at least the first part of the talk entitled: “Moral and Spiritual Deveopment” from William Hatcher, where he so beautifully explains the magnitude of these forces, I am sure you will love it:
http://william.hatcher.org/media/audio/moral-and-spiritual-development
Thanks so much for the suggested talk, Pedro. I’m always looking for new ones to listen to.
Wonderful, me too. I believe it was a course given in the extinct Baha’i Landegg Academy, in Switzerland.
Thank you so much. This is a very hopeful reflection, Susan.
I just love to read and re read it, again and again. 💕🙏
Yay! I’m so glad it resonated with you Mahin!
Thank you so much. I look forward to listening to this soon, dear Pedro.