In former times, this Sunday was known as "Gaudete Sunday", from the first Latin word of the Entrance Antiphon: "Rejoice [Gaudete] in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near". These words are taken from St Paul's Letter to the Philippians, the passage which is our Second Reading today. They are a strong echo of Zephaniah's words in the First Reading and remind us of the great thread of joy which runs through both Testaments as we celebrate God's plan of salvation.

Prophets could both criticize and console Israel. Whenever Israel was disobedient and decadent, the prophets acted as the conscience of Israel, warning her of punishment for infidelity. When Israel was chastened enough to repent and turn to God again, the prophets took on another role. They began to console Israel by reminding the people of God's kindness and mercy, and by promising a better future. It is this role that Zephaniah performs as he consoles the people, urging them not to be discouraged. God is a loving God, a God who renews our spirits in time of desolation.

Zephaniah's words took on a deeper meaning for us when they were echoed in Gabriel's greeting to Mary at the Annunciation. "Rejoice, you who are graced; the Lord is with you!"