PSALM 117, A HYMN OF JOY AND VICTORY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 12, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's catechesis in today's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall in the presence of 3,500 pilgrims, centered on Psalm 117 which, he noted, "recalls the years of oppression in Egypt and celebrates the protection which God gives to His people, even when they are besieged by cruel adversaries."

"In all the most meaningful and joyous feasts of ancient Judaism, in particular the celebration of Passover," he began, "the sequence of Psalms that went from 112 to 117 was sung. This series of hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God was called the 'Egyptian hallel', because in one of them, Psalm 113A, the exodus of Israel from the land of oppression, pharaonic Egypt, and the marvelous gift of the divine covenant, was evoked in a poetic and almost visual way."

"In the face of this danger which was avoided, the People of God break into 'a cry of jubilee and victory' in honor of 'the right hand of the Lord which was raised and performed wonders'. There is, therefore, the awareness of never being alone, prey to the storm unleashed by evil ones. The final word, in truth, is always God's, who allows the faithful to be tried, but does not turn them over to death."

The Holy Father pointed out that "It is God Who grants victory, and His people are invited to give Him thanks as they enter through the doors of justice. By glorifying His Chosen One, God had made 'the stone which the builders rejected ... the cornerstone'. Christ applies this image to Himself when He announces His passion and glorification. Thus we are able to interpret this hymn of trust and thanksgiving in a Christian perspective. As St. Ambrose says, we too should strive to be a rock: a stone of action, word and faith founded on the true rock."

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