Trust in God brings comfort in times of loss, loneliness, pope says

Published: 2004-04-28

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- During times of loneliness or loss, trust in God brings comfort, said Pope John Paul II at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. On a warm and sunny spring day April 28, the pope reflected on Psalm 27, which he said illustrates the psalmist's trust and hope in God despite his facing much tribulation. The psalm shows that "there is an aggressive evil in the world which has Satan as its guide and inspiration," the pope said. Yet despite the threat of adversaries and even abandonment by his parents, the psalmist displays "the serene faith of the believer," he said. "Even in solitude and with the loss of one's dearly beloved, the psalmist never is completely alone because merciful God kneels before him," he said. The pope said this particular psalm has special meaning for those people who have been forgotten or abandoned by family and society.

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