During my time in Haifa, and especially during the Fasting period, I have witnessed the splendour of many sunrises. It is one of many blessings, however small, of living where I do. I cannot see the sunrise from my home in the suburbs of Adelaide, Australia. This sunrise was particularly magnificent as the sun shone through horizontal “stripes” of cloud that were strewn across the sky as if a painter had used a brush to layer them on top of the bright blue sky.
This image is also symbolic of the new year that will start at the end of the Fast. As Baha’u’llah states: “Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday.” (Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 138) By this I understand also that each year should be better than the last. Here’s to a fruitful year ahead, characterised by growth and reflection.
“The Sun of Truth is shining in all His splendour, but man with fast shut eyes cannot behold His glory! It is my earnest prayer to God that by His Mercy and Loving Kindness you may all be united, and filled with the utmost joy. I beseech you, one and all, to add your prayers to mine to the end that war and bloodshed may cease, and that love, friendship, peace and unity may reign in the world.“
(Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 123)