Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Wednesday 27 November 2002, Pope John Paul II gave his weekly Wednesday Audience in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. Here is what the Holy Father said in English: "Dear Brothers and Sisters, Psalm 98 praises the holiness of the Lord God and expresses the people's confidence that God who is supreme, merciful and holy stands above all earthly realities. While the Psalm acknowledges the transcendence of God, it also recognises with thanksgiving the readiness of God to respond to man's needs. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel all "invoked the Lord and he answered". The bond between the 'holiness' and 'closeness' of God is manifested today in the Church. The holy and transcendent God works through the Church as she undertakes her saving mission in the world. With Christ in our midst we too turn to the Father, not with fear but with trust. In thanksgiving we "exalt the Lord our God and bow down before his holy mountain". I extend a special welcome to the English speaking pilgrims present today, particularly the groups from the United States. I thank the Freedom High School Choir who have lifted up our hearts to the Lord with their song of praise. Upon all of you, I invoke the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Fides Service 28/11/2002)