Dear
Brothers and Sisters, In our continuing catechesis on prayer in the Book of Revelation,
we now turn to its teaching on the importance of prayer in the Church’s pilgrimage
through history. Prayer enables us to discern the events of history in the light
of God’s plan for the spread of his Kingdom. That plan is symbolized by the book
closed with seven seals which only the Lamb, the crucified and risen Lord, can open.
In prayer, we see that Christ’s final victory over sin and death is the key to all
history. While giving thanks for this victory, we continue to beg God’s grace for
our earthly journey. Amid life’s evils, the Lord hears our prayers, strengthens our
weakness, and enables us to trust in his sovereign power. The Book of Revelation
concludes with Jesus’ promise that he will soon come, and the Church’s ardent prayer
“Come, Lord Jesus!”. In our own prayer, and especially in our celebration of the
Eucharist, may we grow in the hope of Christ’s coming in glory, experience the transforming
power of his grace, and learn to discern all things in the light of faith.* * * *
* I am pleased to greet the participants in the Communications Seminar sponsored by
the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. I also welcome the priests taking part
in the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the Pontifical North American
College. Upon all the English-speaking visitors, including those from England, Scotland,
Wales, Denmark, Malta, India, Korea, the Philippines, Canada and the United States
of America, I invoke God’s blessings!