Vatican City, Jun 15, 2004 / 22:00 pm
In this morning’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father taught that the message of Psalm 45, “God, our refuge and strength,” is of the peace and serenity to be found in communion with God, who through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection has delivered us from evil.
This Psalm, said the Pope, "celebrates the holy city of Jerusalem, 'a sacred place where the Most High dwells,' but above all it expresses total faith in God Who 'is our refuge and strength, and Who is always near us in our suffering.’”
“The psalm evokes the most tremendous trials in order to affirm with greater force the victorious intervention of God who provides total security," he continued.
"The first part of the hymn," said the Pope, "focuses on the symbol of water and presents a double, contrasting meaning. On the one hand, there are tempestuous waters, which in biblical language are a symbol of disaster, chaos and evil.”