The rope is let go; the bull is now faithful.

The bull has been loved into gentleness.

Human nature is no longer hidden in struggle.

Herdsman and bull walk as one.

The melody of the heart draws them home: the herdsman plays and guides, the bull listens and carries.

Still the bull is the bull: strong, energetic. This energy is now for life – not resisting what is good.

The mantra is in the heart: keep listening to its song until it is no longer needed (you will not know when).

Isolation has passed: the bull is secure alone and together. Kindness happens without thought.

All this is the fruit of faithful discipleship: “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10)

And the herdsman keeps feeling the bull, sensing the powerful movement underneath, hearing the snort. While this remains, still there is reaction, desire, however slight.

If we are to be here and now fully at home, these too must be graced away.

Experience the bull (without thought). It is now safe to go deep.

The bull wants to carry us home.

We must continue on in this intimate awareness of the bull.