A Midday Meal at the Master’s Table

Thornton Chase, who visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in ‘Akká in 1907, described the midday meal in the Master’s house:

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> Within an hour we were called to the noon meal. The Master again welcomed us and motioned each to his seat at the table. There were twelve . . . All stood in respect until the Host sat. Food was first offered Him, but He refused until all were served when He took some also. Then looking around the table and noting that none were eating, He said: “Bismillah!” (In the Name of God), signifying that we should eat.

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That one expression, accompanied with His brilliant smile, was a blessing. > > After the first course was ended and the plates removed, He spoke of our meeting there together in affection, joy and harmony, saying that it was by the power of the Word of God. There might be other meetings of people from different parts of the earth, but they were not like this where we were drawn together by the fires of love in our hearts.

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