VATICAN - The Pope’s teaching at the general Audience: Martyrs are associated with Christ’s victory over sin and death because “they have chosen the way of the cross rather than give in to evil and offering themselves to the Father united in the death of Christ with to witness of self giving and courage”

Wednesday, 12 January 2005

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Resuming his teaching on the Psalms and Canticles, this morning during his weekly audience Pope John Paul II reflected on the Canticle taken from the Book of Revelation: "The Judgement of God (Rev. 11,17; 12,10.12). The text describes “the grand portrayal of the heavenly court where God and the Lamb, that is Christ, surrounded by «the crown council », judge human history for good and for evil while showing however its ultimate end of salvation and glory.”
The entrance of the almighty Lord in history “aims not only to stop violent actions of the rebels but above all to praise and reward the just” the Pope explained, remarking on the terms used to describe the spiritual physiognomy of the Christian: Christians are “«servants» who faithfully obey God’s will; they are «prophets», gifted with the revealed word which interprets and judges history; they are «saints», consecrated to God and respectful of his name, that is they are ready to adore him and do his will. Among them there are «little ones and great ones», an expression dear to the author of Revelation to describe the People of God in its unity and variety.”
In the second part of the Canticle after the tragic scene of the women with child «dressed in the sun » and the terrible red dragon, a mysterious voice intones a hymn of thanksgiving and joy. “Joy for the fact that Satan, the old adversary ... has been «thrown down» from heaven and deprived of his power. He knows «he has only a little time», because history will have a radical change with liberation from evil and so he reacts «filled with fury». On the other side there is the Risen Christ, whose blood is principle of salvation.”
Martyrs are associated with Christ’s victory over death and sin because ““they chose the way of the cross rather than give in to evil and offering themselves to the Father united in the death of Christ with to witness of self giving and courage «hating their life to the point of death». This seems to echo the words of Christ: «he who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life in this world will live for ever ».”
The Holy Father ended quoting a splendid prayer to Christ attributed Simeon, Catholicos of Seleucia-Ctesifonte in Persia, before dying as a martyr with many companions on 17 April 341, during a persecution ordered by King Sapore II: “Lord, grant me this crown: you know how I desire it because I have loved you with all my soul and all my life. I will be happy to see you and you will give me rest … I wish to persevere heroically in my vocation, fulfil my duty with fortitude and be an example for your people in the East …”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2005 righe 30, parole 467)


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