this temporal world
I have been reflecting on this, today:
"Know thou that God is with thee under all conditions, and that He guardeth thee from the changes and chances of this world and hath made thee a handmaid in His mighty vineyard...." ('Abdu'l-Bahá)
I am so comforted by the knowledge that God is always with me. And I am intrigued by the idea of being a handmaid in His mighty vineyard. Whatever could that mean?
Something for me to ponder on. Perhaps for a long while...
Comments
Knock Knock.
Anybody home?
Posted by: glenn | February 2, 2007 06:21 PM
Handmaid in the Vineyard...
Consider this: A vineyard grows grapes. Grapes are used to make wine. In the Writings we have "the wine of astonishment" among other such references.
As a Handmaid in the Vineyard, it can be inferred that you tend the grapes. As a woman, bring (stereotypically) bring a compassionate and cooperative and nurturing approach to discussion, consultation and education.
Lots of loose and rambling connections, but I think the handmaid in the vineyard is a metaphor for the role of women in the establishment of the bounties of the Covenant among the peoples of the world.
Posted by: glenn | January 28, 2007 08:53 AM