Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Illusion generated by the idolatry of wealth and riches is “a constant temptation for humanity: by grasping money thought to possess invincible power, people deceive themselves even that they can «bribe even death », and stave it off”, Pope John Paul II said in Italian during the Wednesday audience in St Peter’s Square this morning when he reflected on part II of Psalm 48 (“earthly riches cannot save” - vespers Tuesday week 2 reading Ps 48,14.16-19.21).
“Very often we try in many ways to ignore this reality, putting the thought far from our horizon - the Pope said -. But this is useless and inopportune fatigue. In fact reflection on death is beneficial because it relativises many secondary realities which we unfortunately absolutise such as wealth, success, power … If money cannot «save us» from death, there is someone who can redeem us from that dark and dramatic horizon. In fact the Psalmist says: «God will save me, he will save me from the hand of death». In this way a horizon of hope and immortality opens for the just.”
The Psalmist says we should not envy the rich man, ever more arrogant, because when death comes, “he will have to leave everything, he can take with him neither gold nor silver, nor fame or success. The believer instead will not be abandoned by the Lord, who will show him «the path of life, fullness of joy in his presence, unending sweetness at his right hand».”
At the end of the Audience the Pope launched an appeal for Iraq: “Every day in prayer I accompany the beloved people of Iraq intent on rebuilding the institutions of their country. At the same time I encourage Christians to continue with generosity to offer their fundamental contribution to promote reconciliation of hearts. Lastly I express affection and sympathy to the families of victims and the hostages and all the innocent people who suffer the blind barbarity of terrorism.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/10/2004 - Righe 23; Parole 318)
