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God guides history, stresses Pope John Paul II
Rome, 16 (NE - eclesiales.org) During last Wednesday general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square and attended by 10,000 people, Pope John Paul II spoke about the hymn in chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation, "The marriage of the Lamb."
John Paul II said that in this canticle "we encounter the frequent use of the word Alleluia which means 'praise to the Lord.' ... The Church on earth joins its song of thanksgiving with the voice of the just in heaven, who unceasingly contemplate the glory of God. In this way, a channel of communication is established between history and eternity."
The canticle, he continued, "exalts the 'kingdom' of the Lord, the divine plan of the salvation of the human race. ... The Book of Revelation celebrates the objective toward which history is driven through the effective work of God, despite the storms, the lacerations, and the devastations caused by evil, man and Satan."
The Holy Father indicated that the other theme of this hymn "is typical of the Book of Revelation and its symbolism: 'The marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride has made herself ready. ... The expression 'the marriage of the Lamb has come' refers to the supreme moment of intimacy between the Creator, the creature, the joy and peace of salvation."
During greetings at the end of the audience, the Pope recalled that today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, "who faithfully stood by the Cross of Jesus. My desire is that you may be able to find in her consolation and help to overcome all the obstacles in your daily life."
May Mary watch over mankind in times of violence, prays Pope
Rome , 16 (NE - eclesiales.org) Addressing the pilgrims who had come to Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus with him, Pope John Paul said last Sunday that "according to an ancient tradition, today is the feast of the name of Mary." He said that her name is "indissolubly linked that that of Jesus" and it "was to her that the dying Jesus entrusted everyone as children."
"May Mary watch over mankind in this hour marked by shocking explosions of violence," said the Pope. "May she especially watch over the new generations who are so anxious to build a future of hope for everyone. I felt this great hope for a world of justice and peace in the children, young people and adults of Italian Catholic Action whom I met last Sunday in Loreto on the occasion of their national pilgrimage."
"As I think of their witness, I wish here to recall the three instructions I entrusted to Catholic Action in Loreto: 'contemplation' to walk on the path of holiness; 'communion' to promote the spirituality of unity; and 'mission' to be evangelical leaven in every place. May Our Lady help Catholic Action to enthusiastically pursue their commitment to apostolic witness, always working in close contact with the hierarchy, and participating in a responsible way for parish and diocesan action."
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