Pope John Paul II met with pilgrims at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo on July 10 for his weekly general audience. He continued his teachings on the psalms and canticles of the Liturgy of the Hours by reflecting on the canticle of the three young men found in the Book of Daniel.

According to the Pope, the canticle of the three young men is “a song of thanksgiving that the faithful say to the Lord for all the wonders of the universe.” Even though the three young men are facing martyrdom, “They do not hesitate to sing, be glad and give praise. The harsh and violent pain of their trial vanishes; it almost seems to dissolve in the presence of prayer and contemplation,” he noted.

In the end, an angel of the Lord rescues the three young men from their plight. “Nightmares dissipate like fog in the sun, fears vanish and suffering is wiped out when a human being is transformed by praise, trust, hope and expectation. The strength of prayer shines forth when it is pure, intense and total in its abandonment to God, who provides all things and redeems all things,” the Holy Father said.

The canticle of the three young men is an invitation to all creatures to praise the Lord in all circumstances. “This is all the more reason why we, as human beings, should add our joyful and trusting voice to this concert of praise, coupled with a lifestyle that is consistent and faithful,” the Pope added.