VATICAN CITY, MAR 31, 2004 (VIS) - In today's general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about a canticle, the "Hymn of those who are saved," in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Revelation.
The Holy Father explained that this canticle "depicts a glorious heavenly scene. At the center of this hymn is the throne of God, Whose name is not even invoked out of veneration. Later, a lamb, a symbol of the risen Christ, appears on the throne. ... Around these figures is the chorus of the heavenly court."
"This assembly of the People of God sings a hymn to the Lord exalting 'the glory, honor and power' that were manifested in the act of the creation of the universe. At this point, a symbol of particular importance is introduced, a 'biblion' or book in Greek, which is completely inaccessible: there are seven seals that prevent it from being read."
John Paul II indicated that this book "contains a series of divine decrees that must be fulfilled in the course of human history so that perfect justice may reign. If the book remains sealed, these decrees will not be known or carried out and evil will continue to be spread and to oppress believers. This is why authoritative intervention is necessary by the immolated and risen Lamb. ... Christ is the great interpreter and lord of history."
"Christ has been 'immolated' and with His blood He has 'saved' all of humanity from the power of evil. His redemption has not only the function of saving us from our past of evil but also of cleansing our wounds and relieving us of our miseries. Christ gives us a new interior life."
The Pope concluded by affirming that "referring to the words that God proclaimed on Mt. Sinai - 'you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation' - the hymn emphasizes that the people of the redeemed God is made up of kings and priests who must guide and sanctify all of creation. It is a consecration that has its origin in the Paschal mystery of Christ and takes place during baptism. This is where an appeal to the Church to recognize its dignity and mission comes from."
AG/REVELATION:CANTICLES/... VIS 20040331 (390)
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