As you know from your study of the Bahá’í writings, the principle that is to infuse all facets of organized life on the planet is the oneness of humankind, the hallmark of the age of maturity. That humanity constitutes a single people is a truth that, once viewed with scepticism, claims widespread acceptance today. The rejection of deeply ingrained prejudices and a growing sense of world citizenship are among the signs of this heightened awareness. Yet, however promising the rise in collective consciousness may be, it should be seen as only the first step of a process that will take decades–nay, centuries–to unfold. (Universal House of Justice, To the Bahá’ís of Iran, 2 March 2013)
This morning Russia invaded the Ukraine. We’ve been anticipating it for weeks. I was appalled by a headline in the local news media: “Why the West cares about the situation in Russia-Ukraine”.
Why do we care??!!!???
Because they are our brothers and sisters. Isn’t that enough?
I didn’t read the article and I’m not going to comment on the substance here, because my intention is not to get into politics, but into compassion and empathy.
My heart is hurting for the Ukrainian people. The terror they must be feeling is bringing up the terror I lived through as a child. I’m not there, so I don’t know and yet I grieve. Maybe that makes me a codependent, or maybe it makes me a Bahá’í. I don’t know.
What I do know, and believe deeply, is that we are all one, and it seems so self-evident. I don’t know why the world hasn’t understood it yet. This quote gives me a clue. Recognition of the oneness of humanity requires the age of maturity before we see widespread acceptance, and humanity is still in the age of adolescence.
More troubling, though, is understanding that it requires a process that will take decades–nay, centuries–to unfold. I have to let go of my impatience, and keep teaching, and keep doing the things we’re being asked to do by the House of Justice, trusting that we’re laying the groundwork that will lead to the Most Great Peace, and let go of my disappointment that I won’t see it in my lifetime.
Understanding that recognition of the oneness of humanity will take centuries to unfold, I can let go of my impatience and trust God with the process, and I am grateful!
What jumped out for you when you read this passage? Please share your thoughts below.
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Letting Go of Anger and Bitterness
Thank you for reminding me this is an unfoldment
You’re welcome, Lana. I needed to remind myself! 🙂
I reflect sometimes on whether or not I believe in God. Yesterday I received a response from my previous employer of whom I had served with a lawsuit. They claimed I harassed a fellow employee. Details are not important right now. What is important is that the employer told falsehoods about my actions. At that moment I lost faith in God and asked why did He let this happen to me since I’m innocent and didn’t do what the employer said I did. Later I realized people are wronged everyday me included. Which is why we need God and His Manifestations to keep us sane in what can be an unfair world. Your right. If we believe then we have to trust His process with faith. I think this whole lawsuit business has humbled me which is maybe why all of this has occurred in the first place 🤔
O Donna, I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you, and I admire the way you were able to find the good in being humbled. Humility is one of the virtues we need to develop, and I think the only way we can develop it, is for God to put us in situations where we are brought low. I’m proud of you for being able to pass this test and acquire this bounty!
In the 60s we were confident the world could be changed overnight, or at least, the day after tomorrow. It’s long past that now, but I do see change. The most encouraging is the recent adoption by more and more white people of the fact of racism. This is different from the civil rights era. And SO different from the 50s when I grew up. It is this kind of massive social shift that encourages me, and I can continue doing what little I can, which maybe not so little after all.
Definitely not so little, Duane. Baha’u’llah promises to magnify every effort we make.
Thank you Susan for your kind words and wisdom 🙏🏾🌹