VATICAN CITY, APR 14, 2004 (VIS) - "'The Lord of Life was dead, but now He lives and triumphs!' These words guide the reflections of our encounter today, which takes place within the octave of Easter," the Pope told the 25,000 pilgrims present for the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square.
Pope John did not read the catechesis for today's today audience but he did read the numerous greetings in different languages for the pilgrims present. The press office had announced that, "following the advice of his personal physician, the Holy Father, given the lengthy commitments of Holy Week, will not personally read the text of the general audience."
"Christ triumphs over evil and death," said John Paul II. "The Gospels tell us, with richness of detail, of the Risen Lord's encounters with the women who ran to the tomb and, afterwards, with the Apostles. As eyewitnesses they are the first to proclaim the Gospel of His death and Resurrection. ... The Church, who is the deposit of this universal mystery of salvation, passes this on from generation to generation, to the men and women of all times and all places."
In order to pass this mystery on, he added, "Christians must have their own personal encounter with Christ Crucified and Risen, and allow themselves to be transformed by the power of His love. When that happens, sadness becomes joy, fear gives way to the path of missionary ardor."
"'Christ my hope is risen'. With these words the (Easter) sequence underlines an aspect of the Easter mystery that mankind today needs to understand more deeply. Marked by impending threats of violence and death, men are looking for something that gives them serenity and certainty. But where can they find peace, if not in Christ, the innocent one, Who reconciled sinners with the Father?"
"On Calvary," said the Pope in closing, "divine mercy showed its face of love and pardon for everyone. ... Saint Faustina Kowalska in her humility was chosen to announce this message of light especially apt for today's world."
AG/EASTER:MERCY/... VIS 20040414 (330)
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