Pope: God guides history despite Satan and evil

Vatican City, Sep 14, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Pope John Paul II said today that "history is driven through the effective work of God, despite the storms, the lacerations, and the devastations caused by evil, man and Satan."

During this morning's general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square and attended by 10,000 people, the Holy Father reflect on the hymn in chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation, "The marriage of the Lamb."

John Paul II explained that in this canticle "we encounter the frequent use of the word Alleluia which means 'praise to the Lord.' The Church on earth joins its song of thanksgiving with the voice of the just in heaven, who unceasingly contemplate the glory of God. In this way, a channel of communication is established between history and eternity."

The canticle, he added, "exalts the 'kingdom' of the Lord, the divine plan of the salvation of the human race".

The Holy Father said that the other theme of this hymn "is typical of the Book of Revelation and its symbolism: 'The marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride has made herself ready. The expression 'the marriage of the Lamb has come' refers to the supreme moment of intimacy between the Creator, the creature, the joy and peace of salvation."

At the end of the audience the Pope recalled that today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, "who faithfully stood by the Cross of Jesus. My desire is that you may be able to find in her consolation and help to overcome all the obstacles in your daily life."