"Evil Does Not Have the Last Word," John Paul II Asserts
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=11347

Code: ZE01101708

Date: 2001-10-17

"Evil Does Not Have the Last Word," John Paul II Asserts

Audience Address Focuses on Psalm 47[48]

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 17, 2001 (Zenit.org).- At a time of world tensions, 
John
Paul II sounded a note of hope today when he insisted that evil does 
not
have "the last word."

The Pope expressed his conviction of God s unconditional love when he 
met
with thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter s Square for the midweek 
general
audience.

"For the one who is in the shadow of divine protection," there is the
certainty that "good, not evil, has the last word," the Holy Father 
said.
"God triumphs over the hostile powers, even when they seem great and
invincible."

The Holy Father was commenting on Psalm 47[48], as he continued this 
year s
series of similar meditations.

The biblical composition at one point presents Zion, "the city of God," 
as
surrounded by imposing enemy armies.

The Psalmist describes how the pride of the powerful army is dissolved.
"Arrogance is transformed into frailty and weakness, power into a fall 
and
defeat," the Pope said.

In experiencing the love of this "liberating God," the believer
spontaneously raises a hymn of praise, because he is now certain that 
the
Lord will not abandon him.

"The peaceful vision of Jerusalem that echoes divine salvation, renders
Psalm 47[48] a prayer to begin the day with a song of praise, even if 
clouds
gather on the horizon," the Pope said.







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