Pope says prayer should lead to sharing of others' joy, pain

Published: 2003-11-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The sufferings and joys of individuals must find an echo in the Mass and other Christian prayer gatherings, Pope John Paul II said. "The pain of the individual must find an echo in the hearts of all and, in the same way, the joy of each person must be lived by the entire praying community," he said at his Nov. 12 general audience. The main audience talk focused on Psalm 142, the psalm St. Francis of Assisi recited as he was dying Oct. 3, 1226, the pope told an estimated 11,500 people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The psalmist begs for the Lord's help and, at the same time, professes his faith that safety and happiness are found in God alone, Pope John Paul said.

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