September 6, 2017

 

To the American Bahá’í community for the Feast of ‘Izzat

 

Dearly loved Friends,

 

In a few short weeks, we will together celebrate the birth two centuries ago of Bahá’u’lláh, the most exalted Being ever to walk the face of this earth. The majesty and magnetic effect of His Person, the events of His life, and the vastness of His revelation are without parallel in the annals of the world’s history; the regenerative power of His writings, the potentialities they contain, and the influence they have already had and are destined still to have in shaping the course of humanity’s progress are, at present, all but incalculable. Yet to the extent of our limited capacity, we understand that the advent of the King of Glory signaled the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise to His children of the eventual dawning of an era of justice, unity, and peace that will endure for all time.

 

As this Bicentenary season opens, we hope you will give special thought to the nature of the conversations you will be having with friends and contacts about the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s life and teachings―a subject taking on a new dimension of importance in these times of increasing anxiety, discord, and distress. We would all do well to recall the following statement from the Supreme Pen:

 

The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish.

 

As never before, we will soon be inviting the multitudes to hear about the coming of their Lord. No doubt many among our fellow citizens, whether consciously or not, will be affected by and will find new hope in His teachings. Still others will be inspired to join us in the task of building communities characterized by loving acceptance of and respect for all members of the human family; and many may come to recognize Him as the Promised One of All Ages, consecrating their lives to the realization of His vision.

 

Now, as at all times, be assured of our prayers that your faithful efforts to walk this pathway of service will be blessed, guided, and sustained by the Beloved of the World.

 

                                             With loving Bahá’í greetings,

                                             NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF

                                             THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

                                             Kenneth E. Bowers

                                             Secretary