Back to Page 1

As an example, let’s reflect a bit on the “ocean” passage itself. What might it teach us about the Word of God? I often find myself pondering the relationships between the image being presented and the object of the lesson. In this case, I might consider the characteristics of the physical ocean and consider what they might reveal about the Word of God.

The physical ocean is not a stagnant body of water, but a dynamic system. Oceanographers have mapped out in detail the flow of currents through the ocean which carry heat from the tropics toward the temperate and polar regions, and return cooled water to the tropics where it can be reheated. Ships have often taken advantage of these currents to help carry them to their destinations. Is the Word of God similarly a dynamic entity, supplying us with the spiritual equivalent of warmth? Is it a force capable of carrying us through life? It may not be coincidental that in one of His talks ‘Abdu’lBahá said,

“Therefore, if we follow the example of the Lord of divinity, we will love all mankind from our hearts, and the means of the unity of the world of humanity will become as evident and manifest to us as the light of the sun. And from our example the light of the love of God will be enkindled among men. For God is love, and all phenomena find source and emanation in that divine current of creation.”

(‘Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 314)

Moreover, the ocean’s heat and its currents which distribute that heat are intimately bound up with the world’s climate. We have all heard of the Pacific currents dubbed El Niño and La Niña and their effect on global weather patterns.

We know how the Gulf Stream plays a key role in warming the British Isles. What role does the Word of God play in regulating our personal and collective “spiritual climate”?

We could go on for quite some time reflecting upon many details. Life on Earth first developed and evolved in the oceans. The seas now teem with life, and indeed life on land would probably not have been possible without it.

The atmosphere, once a mixture of toxic gases, was over time transformed into a rich source of oxygen by marine life, primarily plankton. Perhaps these facts are reflective of properties of the Word of God.

Among the ocean’s treasures, pearls are used as symbols for that which is precious in many religious Scriptures and traditions. Even the waves that are a constant feature of the ocean’s surface may hold lessons for us.

And this is just one way to plumb the depths of the Word of God. What others do you find helpful?

All Faiths Public Gathering for Prayer and Devotions

Fillmore CommUnity

1^st Saturday of the Month, September 2^nd, Call Luanne at 524-0683 for details

Oxnard CommUnity

1^st Sunday of the Month, September 3^rd, 10:30 am. Locations September vary. Call Barbara at 984-4390

Camarillo CommUnity

3^rd Sunday of the Month, September 17^th, Call Renee at 383-3904 for details.

Dawn Prayers

Ongoing every Wednesday morning, 7 am, at the beach at San Jon and Harbor in Ventura.  Bring your favorite prayer.  Followed by a quick trip to the coffee shop.

To learn more about the Bahá’í Faith, contact the Bahá’í House of Worship or the Bahá’í community in your area. Further information is also available at www.us.bahai.org and www.bahai.org.