(October 19, 2011) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak in several languages. The general audience of Oct.
19 was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. It began with a scripture reading
from Psalm 136 in several languages. An aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the
English speaking pilgrims introducing the various groups to him. Pope Benedict then
delivered a discourse in English:
Listen: Dear
Brothers and Sisters, In our continuing catechesis on Christian prayer,
we now turn to Psalm 136. Known as the Great Hallel, this Psalm is a great hymn of
praise which was traditionally sung at the conclusion of the Passover meal. As such,
it was probably sung by Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper (cf. Mt 26:30).
The Psalm takes the form of a litany praising God’s mighty deeds in the creation of
the world and in the history of Israel; each reference to God’s saving work is followed
by the refrain: “For his steadfast love endures for ever”. It is God’s faithful love,
in fact, which is revealed in the ordered beauty of the universe and in the great
events of Israel’s liberation from slavery and the pilgrimage of the Chosen People
to the land of promise. As we sing this great litany of God’s mighty works, we give
thanks that the depth of his steadfast and merciful love was fully revealed in the
coming of his only-begotten Son. In Christ, we see clearly “what love the Father
has given us, that we should be called children of God, for that is what we are” (1
Jn 3:1). I offer cordial greetings to all the English-speaking pilgrims
and visitors present at today’s Audience, especially those from England, Norway, Nigeria,
Australia, Indonesia and the United States. My greeting also goes to the members
of Legatus visiting Rome on pilgrimage and to the group of Lutheran pilgrims from
Iceland. I also welcome the group of Anglican seminarians taking part in a month
of study in Rome. Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!