#abdu'l baha

[palatinewolfsblog]

"The world of humanity has two wings. One is woman and the other man… Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible."

Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity.

[cdchyld]

Just added to Etsy!

~ "Paris Talks: Addresses Given by Adbu'l Baha in Paris in 1911-1912" (1971)

[thefeawl]

“Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heart and soul, shining brightly.” — Abdu'l-Bahá

[keyvanstories]

André Rieu - Nearer, My God, to Thee (live in Amsterdam)

This beautiful hymn was what Lua Getsinger sang for Abdu'l-Baha while He sat in Baha'u'lla's chamber, gazing at the sea and weeping. I have been looking for it for years ever since I read Habib Muayyed's memoires. The story behind the hymn and the lyrics are very moving and sad.

[addstory]

Jak bahaizm, który narodził się w Iranie, zmienia światopogląd?

Bahaizm to globalny ruch, który zmienia postrzeganie wiary. Pojawiający się w czasach zmian bahaizm połączył tradycje duchowe, pragnienie jedności oraz głęboki szacunek dla edukacji i nauki. Kwestie dotyczące pokojowego współistnienia, edukacji i harmonii znajdują się w sercu tej religii, przyciągając wyznawców na całym świecie.

Pochodzenie i historia religii

Bahaizm powstał w Persji w połowie XIX wieku, w czasie, gdy społeczeństwo przechodziło znaczące zmiany pod wpływem postępu naukowego. Religia powstała dzięki Baha'u'llahowi, który był związany z ezoterycznym ruchem szyickim, krytykującym surowość i dogmatyzm oficjalnego duchowieństwa. Baha'u'llah, którego prawdziwe imię brzmiało Mirza Hussein Ali, urodził się w 1817 roku w Teheranie w rodzinie szlacheckiej, gdzie jego ojciec służył jako minister pod rządami szacha.

W tym samym czasie w perskim mieście Shiraz urodził się Sayyid Ali Muhammad Sirazi. W 1844 roku ogłosił się nosicielem boskiego przesłania, zapowiadając rychłe przybycie nowego „Mahdiego”, który zbawi świat. Przyjął imię Bab, oznaczające „drzwi” i wkrótce jego idee przyciągnęły wielu zwolenników.

Bab został jednak oskarżony o apostazję i stracony w 1850 roku. W 1852 r. Mirza Hussein Ali, który był uczniem Baba, został aresztowany i uwięziony w Teheranie. Kilka lat później, w 1863 roku, ogłosił się prorokiem przepowiedzianym przez Bába i przyjął imię Baha'u'lláh, co tłumaczy się jako „Chwała Boga”. Następnie został wygnany do Saint-Jean-d'Acre w osmańskiej Palestynie, gdzie stworzył większość swoich pism, które stały się fundamentem wiary bahaickiej.

Droga do pokoju poprzez nauki

Podstawowym nauczaniem Baha'u'llaha jest głoszenie jedności Boga i jedności religii, ponieważ cała ludzkość jest jedną wielką rodziną. Jego nauki podkreślają, że wszystkie religie dążą do tego samego - pokoju i jedności na ziemi. Różnice między nimi wynikają z historycznych, kulturowych, ekonomicznych i społecznych okoliczności, w których powstały.

Każdy z Bożych posłańców, czy to Mojżesz, Mahomet, Jezus czy Budda, przyczynił się do rozwoju cywilizacji na określonym etapie, przygotowując drogę dla następnego. Wiara Bahá'í, ostatnia z religii monoteistycznych, kontynuuje tę sekwencję. Baha'u'llah zmarł w 1892 roku w St Jean d'Acre, gdzie został pochowany. Przed śmiercią nakazał, aby szczątki jego nauczyciela, Bába, zostały przeniesione na zbocza góry Karmel, około dwudziestu kilometrów od Saint-Jean-d'Acre. Ponowny pochówek szczątków Bába miał miejsce w 1909 roku.

Po śmierci Bahá'u'lláha, jego najstarszy syn 'Abdu'l-Bahá został jego następcą i aktywnie promował nauki bahaickie na Zachodzie. Abdu'l-Baha został pochowany w Hajfie, w Izraelu, obok miejsca pochówku Bába. Po nim, jego wnuk Shoghi Effendi, znany jako „Strażnik” Wiary Bahá'í, został przywódcą Bahá'í, ale nie miał potomków. Od tego czasu przywództwo wspólnoty bahaickiej przeszło na Powszechny Dom Sprawiedliwości, który składa się z dziewięciu wybranych członków i jest najwyższym organem zarządzającym bahaitów. Na całym świecie jest od 5 do 7 milionów wyznawców bahaizmu, mieszkających w ponad 200 krajach. Wiara bahaicka pozostaje jednak zakazana w Iranie, gdzie jej wyznawcy są prześladowani.

Główna wartość

Edukacja jest podstawową wartością w religii bahaickiej. Według słów Baha'u'llaha, każda osoba jest „jak kopalnia pełna klejnotów o wielkiej wartości”. Tylko poprzez edukację skarby te mogą zostać odblokowane, a ludzkość może wykorzystać je dla dobra. W bahaizmie religia i nauka są postrzegane jako dwa uzupełniające się systemy, które przyczyniają się do postępu cywilizacji. Aby osiągnąć powszechny pokój, ważne jest, aby od najmłodszych lat uczyć dzieci tolerancji, altruizmu i szacunku dla różnic. Edukacja powinna być dostępna dla każdego, niezależnie od płci, a jeśli rodzina nie może sobie pozwolić na wysłanie wszystkich dzieci do szkoły, pierwszeństwo powinny mieć dziewczynki.

Serce bahaickiego świata

Hajfa, gdzie spoczywają szczątki Bába i Abdu'l-Bahy, „sług Bahá'u'lláha”, jest najważniejszym miejscem pielgrzymek bahaitów z całego świata. Miasto służy również jako światowe centrum wszystkich bahaickich instytucji. Pomysł zlokalizowania centrum administracyjnego na Górze Karmel został zasugerowany przez samego Bahá'u'lláha, a jego syn 'Abdu'l-Bahá urzeczywistnił go w 1908 roku.

Po ustanowieniu państwa Izrael, Shoghi Effendi rozszerzył wpływy bahaickie w Hajfie poprzez nabycie ziemi wokół mauzoleum Bába. Stworzono tu wspaniały ogród, oferujący wspaniałe widoki na miasto. Miejsce to zostało wpisane na Listę Światowego Dziedzictwa UNESCO w 2008 roku. Należy zauważyć, że bahaici zabraniają prozelityzmu na całym świecie, a w Izraelu ich zasady są szczególnie surowe. Na przykład około 700 bahaitów pracujących w Izraelu w instytucjach swojej religii nie może zapraszać miejscowych na swoje spotkania modlitewne.

Wiara bez rytuałów i ceremonii

W religii bahaickiej nie ma praktycznie żadnych rytuałów. Modlitwa jest sprawą ściśle prywatną, z wyjątkiem pogrzebów, kiedy jedna z modlitw jest odmawiana na głos przez jednego z obecnych. W przeciwnym razie każdy modli się tam, gdzie czuje się komfortowo, o dowolnej porze i w dowolnej formie. Nie ma specjalnych miejsc do modlitwy, ani kazań, kapłanów, formalnych ceremonii czy tekstów.

Chociaż pisma Baha'u'llaha są uważane za ważne źródło wiedzy, bahaici mogą również odwoływać się do innych świętych tekstów, takich jak Biblia, Ewangelie, Koran i inne. Bahaizm nie posiada rytuałów inicjacyjnych dla noworodków lub konwertytów. Zostanie bahaitą jest całkowicie osobistą decyzją, wymagającą jedynie wiary w Boga i przesłanie Bahá'u'lláha. Jeśli chodzi o małżeństwo, nie ma żadnych skomplikowanych ceremonii - wszystko, co jest wymagane, to wypowiedzenie jednej konkretnej frazy. Jedynym znaczącym rytuałem jest coroczny post trwający 19 dni, co odpowiada jednemu miesiącowi w kalendarzu bahaickim. Post rozpoczyna się 2 marca i obejmuje powstrzymanie się od jedzenia i picia wody od wschodu do zachodu słońca.

Podsumowanie

Bahaizm, choć młody według standardów historycznych, udowodnił już swoją zdolność do inspirowania i jednoczenia ludzi na całym świecie. Jego wyznawcy dążą do zbudowania społeczeństwa, w którym wartości pokoju, sprawiedliwości i edukacji zajmują centralne miejsce. Bahaizm przypomina, że prawdziwy postęp jest możliwy tylko dzięki jedności i wzajemnemu zrozumieniu.

[lydiardbell]

Design concept for the Shrine of 'Abdu'l-Baha, by Hossein Amanat

[coralandpearls]

But to have a picture of oneself is to emphasize the personality, which is merely the lamp, and is quite unimportant. The light burning within the lamp has the only real significance.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

[ramonswriting]

Abdu’l-Baha:The Servant of Baha (Glory), The Perfect Exemplar

From the Loins of the Blessed came forth, Abbas, the Most Great Branch, who in life the self has died Whose words are like the blooming Spring tide, Whose actions stirred souls to rise, Then and still now, as if you are among the devoted, Your wise and serene face by our side, at every prayer that shakes the soul to its knees and spurs the heart to journey like a vessel towards the Oceans Horizon where the Sun shows its size. Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha (Servant of Glory, Servant of Glory) At every mention of your example, The eyes light up inside, a fiery tempest of emotions casting the world aside. Nothing is left but our souls with you and your Father entwined. You were banished with the comings of unpleasant travels, imprisoned and ruthlessly maligned, Heaped on by the morning ray of harmful eternities, sigh. Though your time of trials came, the great articulation Of a triumphant undying, inimitable spirit did shine. Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha (Servant of Glory, Servant of Glory) How could you so humbly survive? Soon after, you visited countries with haste, the Message writ on your brow. A servant to the world of tender age, 70! Venturing like a youth in strides. No one but you were conditioned to yearn With Grace and poise unshaken, intoxicated by the sufferer’s wine to carry and Bring to Lands and People new Principles that none can belie. And from the east to the west in your presence every eye would vouch of the virtues of the bearded Persian wearing the garment of humility, whose gigantic unwavering heart is enshrined the very promulgation of the Divine. Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha (Servant of Glory, Servant of Glory) Your words are continuous Spring While, at times, inside the feelings of winter reside. But you fill the destined soul to life, to make way, to arise To be a source of kindness and compassion by which lovers abide. Unchained by the prison of this world, you were inclined To bridge the paradise of companionship which descends on earthly estrangement, to bind the hearts of children, women and men, enemy and friend, all under the shadow of His Tree, all of humankind. Abdu’l-Baha Abdu’l-Baha, (Servant of Glory, Servant of Glory)

[waiting-eyez]

Perfect Connection

This endless universe is like the human body_ all its parts are connected one with another and are linked together in perfection.... they mutually assist, reinforce and influence each other, so too are the parts and members of this universe connected with, and spiritually and materially Influenced by, one another.

(Abdu'l-Baha)

[saplingsoul]

Those who have passed on through death have a sphere of their own. It is not removed from ours... but it is sanctified from what we call 'time and place'.

Abdu'l-Baha

[bahaiinspiredstories]

Bahai Prayers

Bahá'í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, and 'Abdu'l‑Bahá. Compiled by the United States Bahá'í Publishing Trust. Baha'i Prayers of Baha'u'llah, The Bab and Abdul-Baha in English and many other languages.

[thefeawl]

“Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks toward the Creator of souls. He created them, trains and provides for them, endows them with capacity and life, sight and hearing; therefore, they are the signs of His grandeur. You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant.” ― Abdu'l-Baha

[keyvanstories]

IN SERVICE OF OUR BAHA"I COMMUNITY; LSA TRAINING I trust this message finds you well. I am reaching out to share with you the edited summary of a two-hour training session video conducted on January 21, 2024. The training was specifically tailored for several several assemblies and some community members who expressed concerns regarding the low participation of friends in feasts and other Baha'i community activities. During the training, we delved into key topics that are pivotal to fostering increased engagement within our communities. These included: The Role and Responsibilities of Spiritual Assemblies: Exploring the guidance provided by the Guardian on the functions and duties of Spiritual Assemblies in our communities. The Power of Consultation: Emphasizing the significance of consultation as a powerful tool for decision-making and community building. Listening to Understand: Highlighting the importance of active listening in fostering genuine understanding among community members. Real Friendship and Grieving Over Each Other: Reflecting on Abdu'l-Baha's teachings regarding authentic friendship and the empathy required to share in each other's joys and sorrows. Metaphoric Thinking: Encouraging creative and metaphorical thinking as a means to deepen understanding and address challenges in novel ways. Not Taking Each Other's Uniqueness for Granted: Recognizing and appreciating the individual strengths and qualities that each member brings to the community. The intention behind these discussions was to provide valuable insights and strategies to address the concerns raised by LSA members. I am confident that the shared knowledge will contribute positively to our efforts in enhancing the vibrancy of our community activities. If you have any further questions or would like additional information, feel free to reach out. Looking forward to our active participation and collaboration in fostering a stronger and more united community.

[witching-hourglass]

2020 Panreligious Calendar for all of your Panreligious Needs

MM/DD-MM/DD, MM/DD: Name (Alternative Name) [Religion]

Sometimes the final pair of brackets will have the name of a country instead of a religion. This is because the holiday is religious in nature, but is not widely celebrated outside of this area.

In general, for the purposes of this list, Eastern Orthodox Christians and Coptic Orthodox Christians are grouped separately to "Christian" as they operate on a different calendar. All dates are according to the Gregorian Calendar. It is assumed that you are in the Northern Hemisphere.

If I messed something up, please let me know!

January Panreligious Calendar

1/1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God [Roman Catholic] {1/1}

1/1: World Peace Day [Baha'i]

1/4: Elizabeth Ann B. Seton Feast Day [Roman Catholic] {1/4}

1/5: Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday [Sikh] 

1/6: Christmas [Armenian Apostolic Church] {1/6}

1/6: Epiphany [Christian] {1/6}

1/6: Día de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day) [Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico] {1/6}

1/7: Christmas (Feast of the Nativity) [Eastern Orthodox Christian, Coptic Orthodox Christian, Rastafarian] {1/7}

1/14: New Year [Eastern Orthodox Christian] {1/14}

1/15: Makar Sankranti (Magha) [Hindu] {1/14 or 1/15}

1/15-1/19: Pongal (Tai Pongal) [Hindu] {1/13-1/17, 1/14-1/18, or 1/15-1/19}

1/19: Epiphany [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian] {1/19}

1/19: Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami) [Hindu] {Between 1/15 and 3/1}

1/19: World Religion Day [Baha'i]

1/21: Our Lady of Altagracia [Dominican Republic] {1/21}

February Panreligious Calendar

Sundown 2/1-2/2: Imbolc (Brigid’s Day) [Pagan and Wiccan] {Sundown 2/1-2/2}

2/2: Candlemas [Christian]

2/3: Suyapa Day [Honduras]

2/9: St. Maron's Day [Lebanon]

Sundown 2/9-2/10: Tu Bishvat (New Year of the Trees) [Jewish]

2/15: Parinirvana (Nirvana Day) [Buddhist]

2/21: Maha Shivaratri (Shiva's Night) [Hindu]

2/24: Shrove Monday [Christian]

2/25: Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday) [Christian]

2/26: Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent) [Christian]

2/26-3/1: Festival of Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days) [Baha'i]

March Panreligious Calendar

3/2: Beginning of Great Lent [Eastern Orthodox Christian]

3/2-3/20: Baha'i Fast [Baha'i]

Sundown 3/9-3/10: Purim (Feast of Lots) [Jewish]

3/10-3/13: Hola Mohalla [Sikh]

3/10-3/13: Holi [Hindu]

3/19: Feast of St. Joseph [Roman Catholic]

Sundown 3/19-3/20: Ostara (Vernal Equinox) [Pagan and Wiccan]

3/21: Naw Ruz (New Year) [Zoroastrian]

Sundown 3/21-3/22: Lailat al Miraj

3/25: The Annunciation [Christian]

3/25-4/2: Chaitra Navratri [Hindu]

3/25: Gudi Padwa [Hindu]

3/25: Ugadi [Hindu]

3/25: Vikram Samvat [Hindu]

3/26: Birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra (Khordad Sal) [Zoroastrian]

April Panreligious Calendar

4/2: Rama Navami (Birthday of Rama) [Hindu]

4/6: Mahavir Jayanti [Jain]

4/7: The Annunciation [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/8: Buddha's Birth [Buddhist]

Sundown 4/8-4/16: Passover [Jewish]

Sundown 4/8-4/9: Mid-Sha'ban [Islamic]

4/9: Maundy Thursday [Christian]

4/10: Good Friday [Christian]

4/11: Holy Saturday [Christian]

4/12: Easter [Christian]

4/13: Easter Monday [Christian]

4/13: Vaisakhi (New Year) [Hindu]

4/14: Vaisakhi [Sikh]

4/16: Holy Thursday [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/17: Holy Friday [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/18: Holy Saturday [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/19: Easter [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/19: Feast of Divine Mercy [Roman Catholic]

4/20: Easter Monday [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

4/21, 4/29, 5/2: Festival of Ridvan [Baha'i]

Sundown 4/23-5/23: Ramadan [Islamic]

Sundown 4/30-5/1: Beltaine [Pagan and Wiccan]

5/7: Vesak (Buddha Day) [Buddhist]

Sundown 5/11-5/12: Lag BaOmer [Jewish]

5/13: Our Lady of Fatima Day [Portugal]

Sundown 5/18-5/19: Laylat al-Qadr [Islamic]

5/21: Ascension Day [Christian]

5/22-5/23: Declaration of the Bab [Baha'i]

5/22: Jumu'atul-Wida [Islamic]

Sundown 5/23-5/26: Eid al-Fitr [Islamic]

5/27-5/29: Ascension of Baha'u'llah [Baha'i]

5/28: Ascension Day [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

Sundown 5/28-5/30: Shavout (Festival of Weeks) [Jewish]

5/31: Pentecost (Whit Sunday) [Christian]

June Panreligious Calendar

6/1: Whit Monday [Christian]

6/7: Pentecost [Coptic Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian]

6/7: Trinity Sunday [Christian]

6/8: Monday of the Holy Spirit [Eastern Orthodox Christian]

6/11: Feast of Corpus Christi [Roman Catholic]

6/14: All Saints Day [Eastern Orthodox Christian]

6/14: Race Unity Day [Baha'i]

6/16: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib [Sikh]

6/19: Feast of the Sacred Heart [Roman Catholic]

Sundown 6/20-6/21: Litha (Summer Solstice) [Pagan and Wiccan]

6/29: St. Peter and St. Paul Day [Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Venezuela]

July Panreligious Calendar

7/9: Martyrdom of the Bab [Baha'i]

7/23: Birthday of Haile Selassie [Rastafarian]

7/24: Pioneer Day [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]

Sundown 7/28-8/2: The Hajj [Islamic]

Sundown 7/29-7/30: Tisha B'Av [Jewish]

Sundown 7/29-7/30: Arafat Day [Islamic]

Sundown 7/29-8/2: Eid-al-Adha [Islamic]

7/31: Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola [Spain]

Sundown 7/31-8/1: Lughnasadh [Pagan and Wiccan]

August Panreligious Calendar

8/2: Virgen de los Angeles Day [Costa Rica]

8/3: Raksha Bandhan [Hindu]

8/11: Janmashtami (Birth of Lord Krishna) [Hindu]

8/13-8/16: Obon (Festival of Souls) [Japan]

Sundown 8/14-8/15: Tu B’Av [Jewish]

8/15: Feast of the Assumption [Roman Catholic]

8/15: Paryushana [Jain]

Sundown 8/19-8-20: Islamic New Year (Hijri) [Islamic]

8/22: Ganesh Chaturthi [Hindu]

Sundown 8/28-8/29: Ashura [Islamic]

8/30: St. Rose of Lima [Peru]

September Panreligious Calendar

9/1-9/17: Pitru Paksha [Hindu]

9/2: Ghost Festival [China]

9/2-9/5: Obon (Festival of Souls) [Tokyo, Japan]

9/11: Nayrouz (Coptic New Year) [Coptic Orthodox Christian]

Sundown 9/18-9/20, 10/1: Rosh Hashanah (New Year) [Jewish]

Sundown 9/21-9/22: Mabon (Autumnal Equinox) [Pagan and Wiccan]

9/24: Anant Chaturdashi [Hindu]

9/24: Our Lady of Las Mercedes [Dominican Republic]

9/28: Meskel (Feast of the True Cross) [Coptic Orthodox Christian]

9/28: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) [Jewish]

October Panreligious Calendar

Sundown 10/2-10/9: Sukkot [Jewish]

Sundown 10/7-10/8: Arbaeen [Islamic]

Sundown 10/8-10/9: Hoshana Rabbah [Jewish]

Sundown 10/9-10/10: Shemini Atzeret [Jewish]

Sundown 10/10-10/11: Simchat Torah [Jewish]

10/11: Círio de Nazaré [Brazil]

10/12: Our Lady Aparecida [Brazil]

10/12: White Sunday [Samoa]

10/17-10/25: Navaratri [Hindu]

10/20: Birthday of the Bab [Baha'i]

~10/22: Durga Puja [Hindu]

10/25: Dussehra [Hindu]

Sundown 10/28-10/29: Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) [Islamic]

Sundown 10/31-11/1: Samhain [Pagan and Wiccan]

November Panreligious Calendar

11/1: All Saints Day [Christian]

11/1-11/2: Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) [Mexico]

11/2: All Souls Day [Christian]

11/2: Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie [Rastafarian]

11/4: Karva Chauth [Hindu]

11/12: Birthday of Baha'u'llah [Baha'i]

11/14-11/19: Diwali [Hindu]

11/14: Bandi Chhor Divas [Sikh]

11/15: Veer Samvat (New Year) [Jain]

11/19: Gyan Panchami [Jain]

11/24: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib [Sikh]

11/25-1/6: Winter Lent (Nativity Fast) [Coptic Orthodox Christian]

11/26: The Day of the Covenant [Baha'i]

11/28-1/6: Winter Lent (Nativity Fast) [Eastern Orthodox Christian]

11/28: Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha [Baha'i]

11/29-12/24: Advent [Christian]

11/30: Guru Nanak Ji's Birthday [Sikh]

11/30: Saint Andrew's Day [Roman Catholic]

December Panreligious Calendar

12/5: Saint Nicholas Day [Netherlands]

12/8: Bodhi Day (Buddha's Enlightenment) [Buddhist]

12/8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception [Roman Catholic]

Sundown 12/10-12/18: Hanukkah [Jewish]

12/12: Fiesta de Guadalupe [Mexico]

12/13: Santa Lucia [Sweden]

12/16-12/24: Las Posadas [Mexico]

Sundown 12/20-12/21: Yule (Winter Solstice) [Pagan and Wiccan]

12/25: Christmas [Christian]

12/26: St. Stephen's Day [Roman Catholic]

12/28: Holy Innocents’ Day [Morocco, Mexico]

[vincenztantoco]

On rain and revelations

Ever since the extreme rules of quarantine were lifted, and going out for exercise or semi-leisure became permitted, I took the opportunity and had these daily walks.

Or worship walks as I would eventually call them.

I couldn't find time alone in my home, mainly because we are a big family living in a small space. So a trip outside was warranted.

Yesterday, I was having one of these prayer moments when, as I headed back home, the rain fell. And hard.

The skies had been darkened for quite sometime now and a drizzle had been appearing at irregular intervals but at around 3 or 4 the heavens went all out.

Later on, while relaying this vignette to my girlfriend and a close friend of mine, I said it this way: "Inabutan ako ng storm."

Don't judge me.

But anyway, I had to rush over to the nearest shelter, in front of a closed Black Scoop shop on our street and had to try my best not to get wet since the winds were wild.

So I was there, standing, looking at the angry skies, and then I took notice of the song playing on my earphones.

The downpour was so heavy, the gust was violent, and on my Spotify: "I'm Getting Ready" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

"I'm getting ready to see/ something I've never seen."

"God's doing a new thing/ get ready for overflow."

"I'm getting ready/ ready for overflow."

Then the thought came to me: Rains. Blessings. Then I hear the music again.

Bam.

You know that feeling when you really sense that God is showing you, telling you, something? You just know. And for me it doesn't happen the way I want it to but when it does, I know it to be true.

Just like that moment.

Although blessings is a part of my prayer life - and my life in general - it's a facet I haven't really given much priority because I had a different spiritual focus. To be clear, I am not closing my doors on blessing - no way haha. But, I my journey right now is taking my mind off that concern. That need. That prayer.

So when the revelation or reminder dawned on me as the rains continued to pour, I was like.

No way.

Disbelief not because I am surprised it happened but for the reason that I didn't realize that God will tell me something about anything that isn't directly related to my focus.

The focus? Knowing Him. Just that.

And there I was, thinking about rain and its association with blessing.

I prayed fervently, as one does when hit by the Almighty, and opened my heart to whatever God wants to bless me with. Yes, I have my personal concerns. But I wanted Him to move according to what He wants. And not what I want. And that's what I prayed.

Lord, I don't want to limit you with my own definitions. Thank you for reminding me that you are Jehovah Jireh. The provider. From whom all blessings flow. Help me prepare myself, prepare the barnyard, for the overflow, the outpouring, that you have in store for me.

And, just then, I kid you not, for the first time since it started to rain, lightning flashed, thunder crashed.

I am not one to entertain mystical occurances or spiritual coincidences - and to think, I am a Christian - but for some reason, and people might say I am wrong, I know that phenomena was an answer from Him.

You can doubt me. I also doubt it in some ways. Sometimes. But I know in the deepest recesses of my heart that I just had a conversation with God.

***

I had been sitting on this for 24 hours already and I am still trying to dwell on it.

Ever since I woke up this morning, my mind was on this so for my quiet time, I studied on the significance of rain.

I know that it has its cultural implications and symbolism throughout history. Ancient civilizations attributed a lot of spiritual meaning to natural phenomena and rain is one of those.

One of the first topics I saw was that from the Baha'i faith. According to it, rain is the relationship that people have with the truth. Abdu'l Baha said, "The reality of the Divinity is like an endless ocean. Revelation may be likened to the rain. Can you imagine the cessation of rain? Ever on the face of the earth somewhere rain is pouring down."

That was one quotes that made sense to me and something I think I can relate to MY faith. So I then veered to the primary source, the Word.

In the Old Testament, there have been a lot of scriptures about rain or referencing rain when it comes to God's pronouncements and all that. And apparently, according to one site dedicated to Israel's history and culture, there is an amazing connection as to why Israel as a location was important to the story of the Christian faith.

The Lord directed and established His chosen ones (Israel) in a dry and dusty place where there is no reliable source of water (unlike Egypt's Nile, the Euphrates, etc) so that they have no choice but to look to the skies, rely on the one who can make it rain.

In Psalm 72: 6, which is described as a Psalm of Solomon, Christ, the Righteous King, is being described and it was said: "May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth."

In Hosea 6: 3 - "Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain."

***

Dwelling on all of this, I relish in the message that I believe God wants me to bite my teeth into.

Just like as in the situation of Israel, the Lord is reminding me that He wants me - us - to depend on Him, not on our own capabilities. Their will be famine in our lives, for sure. Their will be desolation. A story of wilderness. But in those moments, when all of our power has been spent, we must remember to look to the heavens. Look to Him who can make it rain. Look to Him who can cause an outpouring in our lives.

And in the core of that? He wants us to come and talk to Him. To seek Him. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. Him, the God from whom all blessings flow.

I recall that Baha'i saying: "The reality of the Divinity" is like an ocean. "Revelation" can be likened to rain. And maybe, in a sense, it us true. Christ is the living water, our wellspring of joy, the source of a vast ocean of love, grace, mercy. And from Him can we only drink if we want to gain life eternal. Our journey into knowing Him will cause this outburst of blessing and revelation, a holy flood driven by the Spirit.

And we must surrender ourselves to it. To Him. From whom are all things, for whom are all things, and to whom are all things.

[coralandpearls]

There is no way but to endure the toil and trouble of God’s path. If thou dost not bear these hardships, who would ever bear them?

From an unpublished Tablet addressed to the Greatest Holy Leaf written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá