Pope says even in times of trial Christians must praise God

Published: 2004-05-26

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even in times of trial, Christians must continue giving praise to God, whose victory over sin and evil already has been won, Pope John Paul II said. Praise fills the hearts of "those who await in hope the coming of the Lord to fill with light human history, so often immersed in the darkness of sin, injustice, lies and violence," the pope said May 26 at his weekly general audience. Under a cloudless blue sky, Pope John Paul continued his series of audience talks about the psalms and canticles used in the church's evening prayer, focusing on a hymn about God's justice from the Book of Revelation. The pope described the last book of the Christian Bible as a "book of struggle and of hope." Revelation's hymn to "the Lord God almighty" underscores the "just and resolute judgment" of God, the pope said.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .