This book deals with the old theme of the ministry of the laity, but in a new way. The term "laity" stands for men, women and children "who attempt to live as Christians both in the presence of God and in the midst of the world". The ministry of the laity thus has to do with the human vocation, lived in the light of Christ. This book takes up three worldwide human quests and examines how Christ responds to them: the human search for wisdom as we face the present threat of annihilation of creation; the human cry for justice because of the oppressive impact of present economic and political structures; and the human need for identity as many cultures and social groups experience a deep crisis of selfhood.