The whole of salvation history is the story of God looking for us: he offers us love and welcomes us with tenderness.

Agape, the love of each one of us for the other, from the closest to the furthest, is in fact the only way that Jesus has given us to find the way of salvation and of the Beatitudes.

On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: "Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.

In this preaching, which is always respectful and gentle, the first step is personal dialogue, when the other person speaks and shares his or her joys, hopes and concerns for loved ones, or so many other heartfelt needs. Only afterwards is it possible to bring up God's word, perhaps by reading a Bible verse or relating a story, but always keeping in mind the fundamental message: the personal love of God who became man, who gave himself up for us, who is living and who offers us his salvation and his friendship.

Every step, every effort, every test, every fall and every recovery has a sense within God's design for salvation, as He wants life - not death - and joy - not pain - for His people ... This doesn't mean that he did everything and we don't have to do anything.

Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.