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Vatican City, Vatican, 15th September 2004 (CNA) -
Pope John Paul II said
today that "history is driven through the effective work
of God, despite the storms, the lacerations, and the
devastations caused by evil, man and Satan."
During this morning's
general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square and
attended by 10,000 people, the Holy Father reflect on
the hymn in chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation, "The
marriage of the Lamb."
John Paul II explained 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 added,
"exalts the 'kingdom' of the Lord, the divine plan of
the salvation of the human race".
The Holy Father said 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."
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."
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