God offers faithful a safe haven from evil and chaos, pope says

Published: 2004-04-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God offers the faithful a safe haven from chaos and evil, said Pope John Paul II. "The Lord surrounds the faithful with a horizon of peace that keeps out the uproar of evil. Communion with God is a source of serenity, joy, tranquillity; it is like entering an oasis of light and love," he said at his weekly general audience. Looking refreshed and happy in the warm Rome sunshine, the pope read brief passages from an otherwise long audience address. He spoke slowly and deliberately though his speech was slurred. He also gave short greetings in 10 different languages to the some 40,000 pilgrims gathered April 21 in St Peter's Square. In his catechesis, the pope focused on the image of the house or temple of God as a refuge that offers peace and serenity to those who place their trust in him.

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