VATICAN - At the general Wednesday Audience Pope Benedict XVI continues the series of catechesis on the psalms and canticles prepared by John Paul II: “God emerges as a «custodian» ever awake, attentive and caring, like a «sentinel» who keeps watch over his people”

Wednesday, 4 May 2005

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “As I said last Wednesday, I have decided to continue the teaching on the Psalms and Canticles prayed at Vespers started by my predecessor John Paul II using the texts prepared by him”, Pope Benedict XVI said as he started his general Audience this morning in St Peter’s Square in the presence of about 13,000 people. The Pope commented on psalm 120 - the custodian of Israel - Vespers Friday Week 2 (Ps 120,1-4.7-8). “It is a psalm of trust - the Pope explained - since in it there resounds six times the verb shamar «keep, protect». The name of God is invoked as "the keeper, ever alert, watchful and considerate, the 'sentinel' who keeps watch over his people to protect them from all risks and dangers.".”
To illustrate his trust the Psalmist uses the image of the custodian and sentinel “who keeps watch and protects”… “Then comes another symbol that of «shadow», which refers to a journey resumed on a sunny day. Our thoughts fly to the historical wandering through the Sinai desert where the Lord marches ahead of Israel «by day with a pillar of cloud to guide them on the path to be taken»”. The third symbol is that of the Lord «standing at the right hand of his faithful servant»: “This is the position of the defender whether military or processional: this is the certainty of never being abandoned at times of trial, evil attacks, or persecution.”
The psalm closes, the Pope said, with a concise declaration of trust: God will protect us with love at all times, protecting our lives from all evil. All our activities are always under the Lord's attentive gaze; as are all our acts and all our time 'from this time forth and for evermore'.”
After summarising his teaching in different languages the Holy Father greeted various national groups and then had a special word for the young people, the sick and newly wedded couples present for the audience: “In this month of May dedicated in a special way to the Lord’s Mother, I encourage you dear young people to learn from Mary how to love and follow Christ above all else. May Our Lady help you dear people who are sick to look at the mystery of suffering with faith and realise the salvific value of every cross. I entrust you dear newlyweds to the maternal protection of the Holy Virgin Mary so you may live in your family the same atmosphere of prayer and love as the home at Nazareth.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 4/5/2005, righe 28, parole 427)


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