Central to the pattern of action evolving in a cluster is
the individual and collective transformation effected through the agency of the
Word of God. From the beginning of the sequence of courses, a participant encounters
Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation in considering such weighty themes as worship, service
to humanity, the life of the soul, and the education of children and youth. As
a person cultivates the habit of study and deep reflection upon the Creative
Word, this process of transformation reveals itself in an ability to express
one’s understanding of profound concepts and to explore spiritual reality in
conversations of significance. These capacities are visible not only in the
elevated discussions that increasingly characterize interactions within the
community, but in the ongoing conversations that reach well beyond—not least
between the Bahá’í youth and their peers—extending to include parents whose
daughters and sons are benefiting from the community’s programmes of education.
Through exchanges of this kind, consciousness of spiritual forces is raised,
apparent dichotomies yield to unexpected insights, a sense of unity and common
calling is fortified, confidence that a better world can be created is
strengthened, and a commitment to action becomes manifest. Such distinctive
conversations gradually attract ever-larger numbers to take part in a range of
community activities. Themes of faith and certitude surface naturally, prompted
by the receptivity and experiences of those involved. What is clear, then, is
that as the institute process in a cluster gains momentum, the act of teaching
comes to assume greater prominence in the lives of the friends.
- The Universal
House of justice (From Dec. 29, 2015 message to the Conference of the
Continental Boards of Counsellors)
