VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2004 (VIS) - The hymn of the Letter to the Colossians was the theme of the catechesis of the Holy Father during the general audience celebrated today in the Paul VI Hall.
John Paul II said that in this Christological hymn we extol "the glorious figure of Christ, heart of the liturgy and center of the entire life of the Church." In the hymn, "we recognize the spirit of faith and prayer of the ancient Christian community."
Christ, he continued, "is celebrated as 'first-born of all of creation,' that is, created before man, affirming in this way His eternity which transcends time and space." If Christ is "superior to all of creation, so is His creator. Therefore, He can been seen as 'the image of the invisible God,' who is close to us through the creative act."
The Pope indicated that "Christ, in his divine 'plentitude,' but also through shedding His blood on the Cross, 'reconciles and restores peace' with creation, the heavens and the earth. He brings them back to their original condition, recreating the original harmony, willed by God according to His project of love and life. Creation and redemption are, therefore, connected like stages in the unique event of salvation."
Before going to the audience in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father greeted 3,500 Italian youths and students in St. Peter's Basilica. After reminding them that this past Sunday we celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King, he told them: "May Jesus always be the center of your life! May He be the light and guide of every decision that you take; participate generously with your witness in building up His Kingdom of justice and peace."
AG/HYMN LETTER COLOSSIANS/... VIS 20041124 (290)
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