The Scriptures this week are dense with themes of discipleship, evangelism and the zeal of sharing the Good Life. But what is the first step of being a follower of God? I suggest that it begins with experience, the experience of being utterly loved and accepted by God. With this in mind I invite you to read through this quote by Thomas Merton. Read it a few times. What sings to you? Allow your reading to be a prayer.

At the centre of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by illusion, ... a spark which belongs entirely to God. This little point of nothingness and of absolute poverty is the pure glory of God in us. It is God's name written in us...It is like a pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It is in everybody, if we could see it we would see these billions of points of light coming together in the face and blaze of the sun that would make all the darkness and cruelty of life vanish completely ... I have no program for this seeing. It is only given. But the gate of heaven is everywhere. (Conjectures of a guilty bystander (1966:142) New York:Doubleday).