Words of Hope from Australia
The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia addresses those living in Victoria during these uncertain times.
Victoria, the second largest state of Australia, is currently experiencing a sudden surge in Covid-19 infections and loss of life. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia has written the following uplifting and moving letter to the Victorian community:
28 July 2020 (17 Kalimat 177 B.E.)
Dearly loved Friends,
We feel compelled to write to you as, once again, you face uncertain times as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic and its ramifications.
The thoughts and prayers of the National Spiritual Assembly are with everyone residing in Victoria, many of whom are experiencing insecurity and hardship-as a result of changes in your employment, your freedom to interact with family and loved ones, as well as anxiety about the future.
During times such as these, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to understand the spiritual reality of life and to have a community and institutions built on a foundation of Divine Principles to support us.
"Every follower of Baha'u'llah knows well that the purpose of His Revelation is to bring into being a new creation. No sooner had "the First Call gone forth from His lips than the whole creation was revolutionized, and all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth were stirred to the depths." The individual, the institutions, and the community-the three protagonists in the Divine Plan-are being shaped under the direct influence of His Revelation, and a new conception of each, appropriate for a humanity that has come of age, is emerging."
In this time when restrictions, enforced to ensure the safety of loved ones and control this fast-spreading virus, remove some of your liberties, new freedoms and enhanced spiritual susceptibilities may emerge. The way we spend our time, focussing on close family and confined to our immediate neighbourhood, can enhance our appreciation of simple things such as a child's laughter or creating and sharing a meal with our family. It offers opportunities such as time for reflection on the purpose of our lives, time to read and reflect on the Writings, to develop further capacity to articulate spiritual principles and have distinct and meaningful conversations with those souls with whom we are fortunate to interact. This uncertain period may afford the opportunity for you to join the study circle or start the devotional meeting you had hoped to, if time allowed. We are heartened by stories of how individuals and families are advancing community building efforts through creative means, arising with love and offering acts of service to those around them, and remaining composed despite their daily challenges.
We remind you of the confidence expressed by the Universal House of Justice in the power of your Local Spiritual Assemblies to "prevent, relieve, or mitigate suffering in the wider society of which they are an integral part." We encourage those of you who are struggling with the uncertainties and disruptions caused by this society wide crisis to reach out to your Local Assembly and place your trust in its capacity to support you and your families.
We are confident that, as you engage in acts of meaningful service, as you build greater connection to the Revelation we are so privileged to have accepted, and as you trust in His love and purpose for your lives, confirmations will descend upon you.
Dear friends, while borders may be closed, rendering us unable to be with you physically, in spirit we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during these difficult times, and assure you of our confidence in your capacity to overcome the challenges you are facing. Prayers will be offered at the House of Worship and around the nation to alleviate the difficulties you are all experiencing.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF AUSTRALIA INC.
Fiona Scott
Secretary
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