Commentary on the Gospel of
God who Delights
What causes such pure and elemental joy in Jesus? The missionary success of the disciples. He had sent the disciples out on mission, and they return and narrate how people received the good news of conversion and repentance. The return of the souls to the bosom of his Father simply triggers his joy. Jesus’ reaction testifies to the truth of his words that there is greater joy in heaven over the return of one repentant sinner than the ninety-nine righteous ones (cf. Lk 15: 7, 10). The heart of God is the heart of a father/mother who delights in one’s children and long for their good. In the very words of Jesus, “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:17), and every soul that is saved delights him to the core. How would our lives change if we can hold on to this image of God!
