I don’t know if you have recently seen the picture of the smiling Jesus with the children. I know that is was a popular image of him that was found in many of our churches and our homes. The gospels tell us that “Jesus was like us in all things but sin” so I’m sure that meant that he enjoyed a good laugh from time to time.

One event that comes to mind is the wedding feast of Cana where and when Jesus changes the 18 jars of water into wine. I’m not sure if Jesus found that an occasion for laughing (after all he had to work to perform this miracle) but I’m sure it brought great joy and happiness to the bride and groom that day and all those celebrating the wedding with them.

We have all heard the expression “laughter is the best medicine.” Laughter can take our minds off our problems, can help us to see the absurdities of life, and sometimes can help us to lighten up if we are taking ourselves too seriously.

All four of the gospels agree that the healing ministry of Jesus was a big part of understanding him — who he was, his relationship to his father and the kingdom that he proclaimed. Jesus offered healing to the sick and possessed and perhaps humor and laughter was a big part of it.  

To laugh is human. Laughter is a natural human response to ridiculous and foolish situations that we sometimes find ourselves in. It can help us to build community as we share in the joy of laughter together.

Laughter can help us to face our quirks and learn from our mistakes, and so lead us to be better people. To laugh at oneself is a form of mercy and acceptance of our humanity in the presence of god. 

One of the teachers in the early history of the church was St. Irenaeus of Lyon (in France) who famously observed “god’s glory is the human person fully alive.” He doesn’t say fully prayerful or religious or solemn or serious but fully alive.

And certainly a good hearty laugh is a human characteristic that shows us life in all its richness and goodness. So enjoy a good laugh today. It may be the best thing you do for yourself and others too.