Behold, what is the true, great, and happy message of Christianity: God is bliss, joy, fullness of life, not only in Himself, but for us. God has revealed Himself through love. God has given Himself to us as mercy, as grace, as salvation, as a wonderful and glorious wonder. Behold, what is our religion, our spirituality: the joy of God. Behold, what gift Christ brings to humanity: the joy of God.
(Paul VI, audience December 20, 1972)