Around the world, millions of people celebrate Naw-Ruz (the New Year), which occurs on the first day of spring. At Dinner & Divinity, in addition to breaking our daily fast (**from March 2nd to March 20th Baha'is around the world abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset), we celebrated spring's arrival and the signs of new life beginning to appear. Also explored was the "Spiritual Springtime" - the infusion of new life into humanity through God's chosen educators (Buddha, Moses, Krishna, Christ, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah, etc). The following quotation is from Baha'u'llah's son, Abdu'l-Baha, the perfect exemplar of the Baha'i teachings:
"The earth is in motion and growth; the mountains, hills and prairies are green and pleasant; the bounty is overflowing; the mercy universal; the rain is descending from the cloud of mercy; the brilliant Sun is shining; the full moon is ornamenting the horizon of ether; the great ocean-tide is flooding every little stream; the gifts are successive; the favors consecutive; and the refreshing breeze is blowing, wafting the fragrant perfume of the blossoms. Boundless treasure is in the hand of the King of Kings! Lift the hem of thy garment in order to receive it.If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look? This is the time for growing; the season for joyous gathering!"
Perhaps if we look with spiritual eyes, we will see a world bursting with bounty, gifts, mercy, treasure and favors.
In honor of Saint Patty's Day, we made Irish cabbage and sausage stew!
Kate and Josh, who will be celebrating a "new life" quite soon!
Happy Spring!
