At the start of a new year in the West one is conscious of the passage of
time.
This is the year we lost Vinson Jamir to the Great Beyond. Vinson wrote
hundreds of letters on this Bahai Studies List... I was thinking of him...
This servant became conscious of how often the beloved Guardian used the
sentence: **Time is short.**
*****Time is short. Opportunities, though multiplying with every passing
hour, will not recur, some for another century, others never again. However
severe the challenge, however multiple the tasks, however short the time,
however somber the world outlook, however limited the material resources of
a hard-pressed adolescent community, the untapped sources of celestial
strength from which it can draw are measureless, in their potencies, and
will unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing influences if the necessary
daily effort be made and the required sacrifices be willingly accepted.
Nor should it be forgotten that in the hour of adversity and in the
very midst of confusion, peril and uncertainty, some of the most superb
exploits, noising abroad the fame of this community have been achieved.
(Shoghi Effendi: Citadel of Faith, Pages: 85-86)
May the members of this community prove themselves, as they forge ahead and
approach yet another milestone on the broad highway of their mission, worthy
of still greater prizes, and fit to launch still mightier enterprises, for
the glory of the Name they bear, and in the service of the Faith they
profess. [March 29, 1951] First American Pioneer to Africa
Rejoice at departure of first pioneer to Africa; urge acceleration of
historic process now set in motion. Time is short, tasks ahead manifold,
pressing, momentous. Praying ardently for increasing response and befitting
discharge of mighty supplementary task shouldered by valorous community.
[October 19, 1951]
(Shoghi Effendi: Citadel of Faith, Pages: 98-99)
The task is immense, the time is short, the
hour critical but the faith that animates and sustains them is
strong enough to surmount all obstacles, however formidable,
that may stand in their way. That they may persevere,
redouble their efforts and win signal success in their mighty
enterprise is the dearest wish of my heart and the object of
my constant and earnest prayers.
(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, Page: 72)
To enhance the value of so rich a prize won, in so
short a period, by a community so burdened by cares
and anxieties, in territories for the most part overshadowed
by discord and internal revolution, through the triumphant
conclusion of the major task entrusted to its hands,
and the successful conclusion of the second collective enterprise
embarked upon by its indefatigable and resolute members,
on the morrow of a world-encircling conflict, must now
be the paramount and all-absorbing purpose of all who are
privileged to participate in this mighty endeavour. Time is
short. Every week is precious. The resources of the community,
financial, moral and spiritual are, I firmly believe,
adequate to meet the needs of this critical hour. So golden
an opportunity, if missed, will not recur for who knows how
extensive a period.
(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, Page: 138)
The hour is indeed both precious and propitious. The
opportunity is glorious and will not recur in the lifetime of
this generation. No effort is too great to ensure the
success of so historic a commemoration. Time is short
for an adequate preparation for the celebration, through
collective and sound achievement, of so great a jubilee. All
must arise and contribute a share worthy of the name they
bear and of the privilege bestowed upon them.
(Shoghi Effendi: Dawn of a New Day, Page: 143)
The field is immense, the task gigantic, the privilege immeasurably
precious. Time is short, and the obligation sacred, paramount and urgent.
The American community must muster all its force, concentrate its resources,
summon to its aid all the faith, the determination and energies of which it
is capable, and set out, single-minded and undaunted, to attain still
greater heights in its mighty exertions for the Cause of Baha'u'llah. May
30, 1936
(Shoghi Effendi: Messages to America, Page: 7)
Some people of former times and some sects avoided certain others as
strangers, but now the glorious beloved One hath ridden upon His swift
coursing steed, encircling about in the arena of truth and all that was
hidden became manifest.
Let there be no more silence nor reticence, taciturnity nor negligence.
The Candle is lighted - yet the moths continue motionless and melancholy
behind the veils.
Now is the time to roar like unto a sea and seek to ascend heavenward!
If we desire to reach the apex of the Supreme Kingdom, we must unfurl our
wings; if we wish to dive into the depths of the ocean, we must teach our
limbs swimming. The time is short and the Divine Courser moves swiftly on;
let us keep up and compete with each other and let us light a brilliant
candle!
(`Abdu'l-Baha: Baha'i World Faith*, Page: 354)
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