GENERAL AUDIENCE: GLORIFICATION OF GOD, LORD AND CREATOR

VATICAN CITY, JUL 17, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in the courtyard of the apostolic palace at Castelgandolfo, the Pope spoke about Psalm 148, "Glorification of God, Lord and Creator".

John Paul II affirmed that this psalm is "a true 'canticle of creatures', a sort of 'Te Deum' of the Old Testament, a cosmic alleluia in which everything and everyone praises the Lord."

"In heaven," he said, "we find singers of the starlit universe. ... The procession continues with the creatures of the atmosphere" and "the mountains and hills, commonly considered the oldest creatures of the earth. ... Finally, there is man who presides at the liturgy of creation."

The Holy Father indicated that "we too are invited to join this immense chorus, becoming an outspoken voice for all creatures and praising God in the two fundamental dimensions of his mystery. On the one hand, we must adore his transcendental grandeur. ... On the other hand, we recognize his kindness because God is close to his creatures and helps especially his people."

After greeting the 4,000 pilgrims present in different languages, the Pope referred to the up-coming World Youth Day and asked for prayers "so that it may be a propitious occasion to experience the joy of being true witnesses of Christ."

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