During a retreat last summer, my spiritual director invited me to ponder the words, "God is so fond of you; He delights in you!" This simple phrase profoundly moved me. The idea that God not only loves me but also delights in me, and finds pleasure in my company, felt incredibly assuring. These words filled my heart with an unexpected joy. It's a powerful reminder that God loves me unconditionally, not because of my achievements or worthiness, but simply because I am His beloved.

Today's reading from Zephaniah paints a beautiful picture of this divine affection. The prophet portrays a vibrant image of God: "He will sing joyfully because of you, as one who sings at festivals." Imagine God, the source of all joy, singing a song of delight for you. This image speaks volumes about the depth of God's love. God is not easily turned off by our repeated mistakes, nor requires us to achieve something before rendering his affection. It reminds us that God's love is not contingent on our perfection or performance. It is an unconditional, overflowing gift.

This invitation to joy doesn’t disregard the challenges and anxieties we are facing now. While anxieties and challenges – sickness, academic pressures, relationship struggles, and global conflicts – may weigh heavily upon us, we can draw upon God’s wellspring of joy. Christian joy is grounded on God’s abiding and constant love for us that accompanies us in difficult times.

In the Second Reading, Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always!” He exhorted the Philippians to rejoice even amidst his imprisonment and uncertainty from the Roman authority. While in a difficult situation, Paul recognizes the joy found in God. He said that through prayer and petition, we can connect with the source of our joy and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday today, may we cultivate this joy within ourselves, knowing that we are the object of God’s love and delight. May this joy emanate from within us and serve as an enduring mark of our faith in God. As Pope Francis said, “The identification card of a Christian is joy.”1 Let us embrace this joy, share it with others, and allow it to be a beacon of light on campus and in the world.

¹ https://catholicphilly.com/2016/05/catholic-spirituality/joy-is-the-true-mark-of-a-christian-pope-says-at-morning-mass/