Fr. Schlewer invites us to reflect anew on the message of La Salette in the light of the Scriptures and, in particular, of the admonition of Deuteronomy: "Choose life, then!" (Deut. 30:19). These essays are presented to us in language that is strong, courageous, and at times even daring.

This book testifies to a basic conviction: "Beloved, you (are) aliens and sojourners"(1 Peter 2:11a). The human condition is that of a pilgrim, with no lasting place hereon earth, always a stranger, yet impelled to move, to go forward, aspiring to "a better homeland, a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).

It takes a hard look at a paradox: Christians willingly preach to others about love of neighbor, while at the same time tolerating inhuman and unjust social structures in which it is impossible to live as brothers and sisters. True, the building of a more fraternal world is not identical with the definitive realization of the Kingdom of God. Nevertheless, we would betray the demands of the Gospel if we spoke to people about eternal salvation while failing to do everything we can to give their lives on this earth a more human countenance. ... To place our footsteps in those of Christ and to follow him is the only possible response.

'So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us' (Ephesians 5:1-2a). Such was the intensely loving exhortation of St. Paul to the first Christians. That is the challenge which is now proposed to us in this memorable book. May we savor and appreciate the opportunity to live it out!

Fr. Isidro Augusto Perin, M.S., Superior General (1994-2006)
The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette,