Tomorrow is the first day of spring! The vernal equinox. For many calendars, including for Baha’is, it is the beginning of the new year (known as “Naw Ruz” or “New Day”). It is also the end of the fasting period.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’ explained that, just as there are seasons in the physical world, there are also seasons in the spiritual and social world, when hearts become revived with new ideas and inspirations, and societies outwardly transform as part of the awakening of human consciousness. He told us that we are now living in one of those times.

Springtime is a time of renewal, or transition.  It is the beginning of a new world, but also the end of an old one. The changes are beautiful, but they can also be painful.  All around us, we can see evidence of both.  As we weather through these changes,  we can continue to draw on the insights and inspiration of the world’s great scriptures to remind us of spiritual truths, and to help us distinguish between what is transient and what is truly eternal!

At the time of the vernal equinox in the material world a wonderful vibrant energy and new life-quickening is observed everywhere in the vegetable kingdom; the animal and human kingdoms are resuscitated and move forward with a new impulse. The whole world is born anew, resurrected. Gentle zephyrs are set in motion, wafting and fragrant; flowers bloom; the trees are in blossom, the air temperate and delightful; how pleasant and beautiful become the mountains, fields and meadows.

Likewise, the spiritual bounty and springtime of God quicken the world of humanity with a new animus and vivification. All the virtues which have been deposited and potential in human hearts are being revealed from that Reality as flowers and blossoms from divine gardens. It is a day of joy, a time of happiness, a period of spiritual growth.

I beg of God that this divine spiritual civilization may have the fullest impression and effect upon you. May you become as growing plants. May the trees of your hearts bring forth new leaves and variegated blossoms. May ideal fruits appear from them in order that the world of humanity, which has grown and developed in material civilization, may be quickened in the bringing forth of spiritual ideals. Just as human intellects have revealed the secrets of matter and have brought forth from the realm of the invisible the mysteries of nature, may minds and spirits, likewise, come into the knowledge of the verities of God, and the realities of the Kingdom be made manifest in human hearts. Then the world will be the paradise of Abha, the standard of the Most Great Peace will be borne aloft, and the oneness of the world of humanity in all its beauty, glory and significance will become apparent.