The talks in this book were given at a retreat at Beni-Abbes in the Sahara. The place was not accidental for the desert has a particular significance for The Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus, as well as for their founder, Rene Voillaume.
The desert is a place for going back to the sources, for meditation and for renewal. More than this, the retreat took place in the chapel where Charles de Foucauld prayed and meditated on the meaning of God's call to men in Christ.
There is talk today of ferment and crisis in the religious life. At the same time it is true that the religious life has something special to offer the world today-a world in which 'lack of community', 'failure of communication' and 'bankruptcy of consumer society' are major concerns.
It is to these concerns that Voillaume responds in these talks. As usual he is practical and down-to-earth.
The issues at stake are issues which face all christians and this book should be of interest to all those who are intent upon answering the call of God in Christ today.