If we are to appreciate ourselves fully we need to recognize the dimension of mystery in regard to our own person. And if we are to lace ourselves honestly we are well-advised to do this in the context of love. There is no greater context to love than the presence of the wise and gentle Christ. In the gospels many people have the privilege to be in the presence of Christ who is both wise and gentle. Father McNamara chose some of them and examined how they came to the truth about themselves in the presence of the wise and gentle Christ. He has also chosen Francis of Assisi, a saint for our times, and has followed his conversion through his relationship with Christ. In the presence of the wise and gentle Christ, we are invited to come to the truth about ourselves. We can have the courage to do so when we are in the presence of love-the presence of the wist: and gentle Christ.