On the Nations of the World: In Pursuit of Elusive Unity

I usually have lunch at the grocery store. I feel I will eat better if I go there. I purchase my food items and a newspaper and find a table by the in-store Starbucks to eat and read.

The newspaper I buy is usually the National Edition of New York Times. You know why - it's got "All the News that Fits," especially international news. I read the news today, oh boy.... Looking at just the headlines, it is clear the world needs Baha'u'llah. To the ears of some, it may sound simplistic to assert that nothing else but faith in God and acceptance of God's teachings for this day can penetrate the hearts and minds of people today. To my ears this is not simplistic but profound. There are no shortcuts to unity.

Here are some headlines from today's NYT:

"A Coming Papal Visit Focuses Anger Among the Turks" describes "a thousand years of tension over religion, imperialism and sovereignty." What does Baha'u'llah have to say about these matters?

"Early Results of Bosnia Vote Reinforce Ethnic Split." How can humanity overcome ethnic and racial hatred except through adherance to God's word?

"Iraqi Leader Unveils New Security Plan Amid Rising Political Tensions and Sectarian Violence." O Iraq! "We were in ‘Iráq, when the hour of parting arrived," Baha'u'llah wrote. Iraq figures importantly in Baha'i history. What will it take to bring unity to this land save obediance to God!

"2 Killed in Second Day of Clashes Between Palestinian Factions," the headline reads. "Fighting is less intense, but unity is an elusive as ever." Unity is elusive indeed!

It is not the Baha'i way to become caught up in the controversies of the day. Our role as Baha'is is clear. Demonstrate in our little global community that is a microcosm of the world the unity that is inevitable as soul by soul embraces Baha'u'lah as God's teacher for this day. -gw