Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Pope John Paul II took Psalm 26, “Trust in God in times of danger” (Vespers Wednesday week 1), as the subject of his teaching at the general Wednesday audience 21 April held in St Peter’s square filled with thousands of visitors. “If the liturgy is the spiritual atmosphere in which the Psalm is immersed, the underlying thread of the prayer is confidence in God, on days of joy and in times of fear” the Pope said underlining that the first part of the Psalm “is marked by great serenity founded on trust in God on the dark day when evil attacks ”.
“The life of the believer is often subject to tension and challenges at times rejection and even persecution. The behaviour of the just man is unwelcome because it resounds like a warning to the arrogant and the perverse” the Pope said. “The believer knows that coherence creates isolation and provokes even disdain and hostility in a society which often chooses for its banner personal gain, exterior success, wealth, unbridled amusement. Nevertheless he is not alone and his heart retains this amazing inward peace”.
Precisely this interior quiet, strength and peace are a gift obtained by personal and community prayer the Holy Father said. “The praying person entrusts himself to the arms of God…the Lord creates around his faithful servant a horizon of peace which keeps out the clamour of evil. Communion with God is the source of serenity, joy, peace, it is like entering an oasis of light and love.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/4/2004 - Righe 19; Parole 269)
