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GOD DEFENDS THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM, SAYS POPE BENEDICT
CNA via EWTN ^ | 08.03.05

Posted on 08/04/2005 4:36:25 PM PDT by Coleus

GOD DEFENDS THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM, SAYS POPE BENEDICT VATICAN CITY, Vatican, August 3 (CNA) - The Lord gives all those who trust and believe in him confidence and encouragement, even when they are faced with life's difficulties or their own inner burdens of discouragement, mediocrity and fatigue, said Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pope, returning from his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, commented on Psalm 124 during his catechism and general audience this morning in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.

"Psalm 124, one of the 'gradual psalms' traditionally recited during the pilgrimage to Mount Sion, proclaims that all who put their trust in the Lord stand solid and unshakeable," the Pope said.

"As Jerusalem is protected from its enemies by the mountains that surround her, so the Lord's faithful are defended from all danger by his presence," he continued.

Even when a believer feels isolated and surrounded by danger and hostility, his faith must be serene.

"As believers, we may experience external difficulties and the inner burden of our own discouragement, mediocrity and fatigue, but the Lord, the just judge, gives us confidence and encouragement," he said.

In this atmosphere of radical trust, the Psalmist reassures 'the just'. Their situation may be worrisome or they may be tempted to participate in evil to avoid some inconvenience, but the Lord protects them from oppression, the Pope continued.

"The Psalm therefore infuses the soul with a profound trust", which enables the believer to confront difficult situations, he added.

"With the Psalmist who contemplates the city of Jerusalem, the symbol of God's peace, we trust in our loving Father, who leads us to that peace promised in Christ to God's faithful people."

The Pope welcomed pilgrims, in particular, a group of priests from China. He also greeted groups from Hong Kong, Ireland, the Philippines, Australia and the United States.


TOPICS: Catholic
KEYWORDS: benedictxvi; psalm124; trustingod

   

Jesus, I trust in You

1 posted on 08/04/2005 4:36:26 PM PDT by Coleus
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To: Coleus

This is wonderful. Just what I needed to read RIGHT NOW.


2 posted on 08/04/2005 4:37:05 PM PDT by cyborg (Karma can be a cruel taskmaster or a bearer of blessings.)
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To: Coleus

I lose sight of this at times -must keep it in mind. Good reminder...


3 posted on 08/04/2005 5:27:07 PM PDT by DBeers (†)
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To: Coleus

Funny, That has been my theme for the last week...Very big things going on in my family's lives and I Will Trust The Lord!!!


4 posted on 08/04/2005 5:29:16 PM PDT by queenkathy ("Eat a live toad first thing in the morning. Nothing worse can happen to you for the rest of the day)
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To: Coleus

"Even when a believer feels isolated and surrounded by danger and hostility, his faith must be serene."

The more I pray and go to Mass the closer to serenity I get. The less I pray and go to Mass...

So I wonder what the implications of that are.

How come it doesn't "take?" How come I have to keep "recharging?"


5 posted on 08/04/2005 9:57:14 PM PDT by dsc
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To: Coleus
The catechetical lecture reminds me of this 19th Century hymn:

"I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus"
by Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879

1. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation,
Great and free.

2. I am trusting Thee for pardon;
At Thy feet I bow,
For Thy grace and tender mercy
Trusting now.

3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing
In the crimson flood;
Trusting Thee to make me holy
By Thy blood.

4. I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead,
Ev'ry day and hour supplying
All my need.

5. I am trusting Thee for power;
Thine can never fail.
Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me
Must prevail.

6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus;
Never let me fall.
I am trusting Thee forever
And for all.

Hymn #428 from The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Acts 2:38
Author: Frances R. Havergal, 1874
Composer: Henry W. Baker, 1868
Tune: "Stephanos"
6 posted on 08/05/2005 6:36:06 AM PDT by lightman (The Office of the Keys should be exercised as some ministry needs to be exorcised.)
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To: NYer; Salvation


7 posted on 08/05/2005 10:02:38 AM PDT by Coleus ("Woe unto him that call evil good and good evil"-- Isaiah 5:20-21)
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To: Coleus

BTTT!


8 posted on 08/05/2005 8:46:30 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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