The following day, December 17, Baba began cleaning the boys’ toilets, allowing only his brother Jal to help in this work. Regarding this lowly task, Baba explained to the mandali:
That same day, Meherjee’s father arrived unexpectedly at Meherabad at three in the afternoon with four Parsi priests. He had heard a rumor that his son had shaved his head and was moving about in a long robe like a sadhu. But when he saw Meherjee, he realized the stories were false. Nevertheless, he told Baba, “Meherjee is my eldest son and I have hopes of his shouldering the full responsibility of our entire family. I therefore wish to take him home.”
Baba replied, “Your son is gold. You may take him with you, but I allow it with a pain in my heart.” Meherjee did not want to leave, but Baba took him aside and consoled him, “Go now. It is my order. I am sending you with my blessing. And remember, even if you leave me, I will never leave you.”
Baba then asked Meherjee if he loved him. Meherjee replied, “If I did not love you, how could I wish to remain here?”
Baba explained, “Obedience is higher than love. So carry out what I order you to do. Go now, and remember that I am with you.” Meherjee accepted, and with tears in his eyes accompanied his father home.
Lord Meher, Original Publication, Bhau Kalchuri, Vol. 3, p. 1127.