Let There Be Laughter: Enjoy the Good News
Let There Be Laughter This Week
Easter is a time for joy. Because Jesus, the Son of God, died and rose from the dead, our final destination is not hell or nothingness. Instead, we can look forward to everlasting life, a new and glorious life with God. that is why Saint Augustine said a Christian should be an alleluia from head to toe. Alleluia means “Praise God.”
In view of the death of Pope Francis this week, at first I thought this post was inappropriate. But then I realized that this saintly man is relieved of the heavy burden of his office and enjoying eternal life now. No doubt he is smiling in the presence of Jesus and would approve of this post. Remember how he invited comedians to the Vatican in 2024?
I came across an article I wrote years ago for Religion Teacher’s Journal. It is directed to teachers, but anyone will enjoy its humor. So here it is, abridged for your reading pleasure . . .
I love to walk through a school and hear laughter cascading out into the hall. Of all subjects, religion is most naturally associated with laughter. Where good news is told there should be happiness.
God Has a Funny Bone
Ah, but some might argue, God is too awesome to be treated lightly. Religion, like all matters of life and death, is a serious subject. True, but there’s no denying that God and people laugh. Anyone who creates a giraffe, an anteater, a hippopotamus and a two-year-old human, anyone who plays jokes on an aged Sara and a fire-breathing Saul must have a sense of humor. God made us in his image, his likeness. So he bestowed on humankind the gift of laughter, which distinguishes us from all other earthly creatures.
Scripture never says that Jesus laughed (a serious oversight!) Leave it to him to teach against greed by conjuring up the image of a camel passing through the eye of a needle—especially if the camel has two humps. And a twinkle must have been in his eye when he sent Peter, the great fisherman, to fetch tax money from a fish.
Woe to that professor who quotes to fledgling teachers, “Don’t smile until Christmas.” Teachers should take their cue from good speakers who open with an amusing comment to break the ice and then sprinkle their talk with funny anecdotes to keep the audience with them. Humor creates the warm atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
Moreover, laughing is healthy, called the best medicine. It’s said to massage the liver. Scripture recommends it: “A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries the bones up” (Proverbs 17:22).
Following are suggestions for “planned laughter”:
Collect jokes.
Jokes make wonderful approaches to lessons and sometimes crystallize a concept. But, best of all, they spark student interest and add to the enjoyment of the class.
In a lesson on God, for instance, tell about the little girl who was drawing a picture of him. Her mother commented, “But no one knows what he looks like, honey.” And she countered, “They will when I get finished.”
Bible jokes abound. One of my favorites is about Adam and Eve and their two boys walking past the gates of Paradise guarded by the cherubim. Abel asked, “What that, Dad?” Adam replied, “That’s where we used to live before your mother ate us out of house and home.”
Make and encourage amusing comments.
One teacher won my heart the day I asked if she knew where I could get hay for the manger we were setting up. She answered, “Nay.” Many of us don’t think of witty comebacks until too late, if at all. If they do pop into our minds as we teach, we should take advantage of them. However, our funny remarks should be considered funny by the students too, not sarcastic.
When correcting papers add a humorous comment. This adds a personal touch and makes the students feel good. In high school I wrote an essay on Lord Jim, a novel about the sea. The teacher’s “You missed the boat” at the top of my paper took some of the sting out of the C grade.
On the other hand, we should be tolerant, and even appreciative, of the students’ witticisms. To repay a clever remark with an ice-cold stare may freeze a budding comedian, a creative writer, or a delightfully unique personality. Your hearty laughter can establish the rapport that makes other means of discipline superfluous.
At a Catholic-Lutheran workshop, humor set the tone for what otherwise could have been a stiff and uncomfortable. The session started off with a bang—three bangs echoing through the halls of the Catholic seminary. An audience member called out, “Maybe that was a Lutheran pounding something on your door!” The meeting proceeded with lightheartedness and fellowship.
Set the stage for laughter.
Activities to evoke laughter should be integrated into lessons, especially on tense or dreary days. Acting out Bible stories and role playing have potential for humor. Even a small thing like Lisa playing the tree in the garden of Eden by dangling an apple from her fingers for five minutes can case merriment.
Lively approaches can brighten dull topics.
Art can be a source of humor. Have students draw on the board, or, what might be funnier, use your own artistic talent to illustrate a point.
Look for humor.
Show that our church is a laughing church. Teach the fish tale of Jonah or the proverb “Like a golden ring in a swine’s snout is a beautiful woman with a rebellious disposition” (Proverbs 11:22), or about Rhoda, who in her eagerness to tell others that St. Peter was at the door, forgot to let him in. Then there’s poor Eutychus, who slept during St. Paul’s sermon, fell out of a third-floor window, and died. Luckily Paul restored him to life.
Teach that in the strength of our faith we can “laugh at the days to come” with the ideal woman of Proverbs 31:25. In fact we can die laughing in the tradition of the martyrs. With belief in eternal life, St. Lawrence could say to executioners burning him alive, “Turn me over. I think I’m done on this side.” And as St. Thomas More went to this beheading, he moved his beard out of the way of the blade, explaining that it had never offended the king.
Laugh at yourself.
We all manage our share of dumb things: “klutzy” actions, foot-in-mouth words, and silly blunders. We are a bundle of contradictions: part spirit, part matter, part noble, part base; part heroic, part cowardly; part loving, part hating; and so forth. Isn’t this what makes for laughter?
Why pretend to be perfect when our students know we’re not? Instead of covering up our weaknesses, we can use them. Sharing not-so-perfect experiences in laughter with the class not only prepares them for life but encourages them to cope with their failings. Just as we are consoled when people we admire tell us funny things they did, students can be heartened by our “confessions.”
In a classroom where mutual openness and acceptance reign, our embarrassment is not so acute the day we get caught not knowing something or falling asleep showing a video.
Bishop Anthony Pilla spoke of the need for a diaconate of humor. As religion teachers we have ample opportunities to exercise this ministry. We must teach laughter to a world that has almost forgotten how to laugh.
The little prince in Antoine de Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince leaves his friend the gift of his laughter. What a beautiful gift for our students! And it is a natural (or supernatural?) outcome of religion class. For laughter is the sign of joy, and isn’t joy the sign of a Christian and one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
A Treat . . .
I collected hundreds of true, funny anecdotes from the Sisters of Notre Dame, and Our Sunday Visitor published them. The book is still available:
The title comes from one of the anecdotes: After Mass a little boy asked Sister, “Why does Father put Jesus in the microwave?” The tabernacle at the church was a silver rectangle.
To add to your Easter joy, here is Handel’s exuberant “Messiah.”
• What example of humor can you offer from your school days?
• What is your favorite joke?
The Cross of Christ Then and Now
The Cross of Christ Everywhere
When my niece Lisa was baptized, I gave her a cross necklace. It was a lovely cloisonné cross with a pink rose in the center, but it was still a cross. How curious that an instrument of execution is now a worn as jewelry! (Can you imagine wearing a guillotine or an electric chair?)
Moreover, in many Christian homes a cross is displayed somewhere, with the body of a nearly naked man nailed to it. The cross is so common around necks, as earrings, in tattoos, atop church steeples, and in cemeteries that we have become immune to the shocking horror of it as well as the glory associated with it.
That is why Lent is so important. During Lent we have six weeks to ponder and pray over the mystery and the message of the cross. As we devour our hot cross buns, pray the fourteen stations of the cross, and venerate the cross in a procession on Good Friday, we realize once more what it symbolizes.
The Cross of Christ Transitions from Death to Life
On Calvary, Christ transformed the cross into a sign of life. Ash Wednesday’s ashes confront us with the hard truth that we will die. However, these ashes are placed on our foreheads in the form of a cross. Because of the cross, we can laugh at death and recognize, like St. Paul did, that is has no sting for us. Yes, we know we will die, but we also know that we will live forever because Jesus redeemed us on the cross. Since Christ’s death, dying and rising are inseparable. At the Easter Vigil the priest carves a cross into the paschal candle. The cross has become a symbol of victory.
The Cross of Christ, a Sign of Love
The cross is also a sign of love. Some pictures show a crucifix (a cross with the body of Christ) with the words, “I asked Jesus, ‘How much do you love me?” ‘This much,’ he answered, and he stretched out his arms and died.” Jesus loved us so much that he died for us. Read that sentence again, substituting “me” for “us.” Isn’t that incredible? Only the unfathomable depths of God’s goodness and love make the statement believable.
Every cross reminds us of God’s love revealed in Christ. This includes our physical crosses as well as the Sign of the Cross made over us in blessings. We are wrapped in God’s love from the time we are sealed with the cross at baptism the day until we are sent into eternity sealed with a cross.
We ourselves are to be living crosses: signs of life and love. The very structure of our bodies is cruciform. Lent and the cross call us to conversion: to become better signs of love than we are.
The Cross of Christ for Children
You can use the image of the cross during Lent to spur your children toward a conversion of heart. Invite them to reflect on it by discussing:
- Where cross shapes are seen (including the northern sky)
- Its shape (encompassing all directions, north, south, east, and west), its resemblance to a plus sign
- Its significance
- Its use in the liturgy and in art
- What they can do to show love for Jesus in return
Your children might like to make simple crosses out of wire, wood, clay, or foil. Older children can make a more complicated cross by gluing burnt wooden matches to a cardboard or wood base and varnishing them. (Search “matchstick cross” in the Internet. Here is one example.) Have children become familiar with the various kinds of crosses by cutting them out of black paper and backing them on colored paper.
The Cross in Our Lives
Everyone has sufferings to bear. These range from crises to annoyances like a paper cut. We call such suffering “crosses.” Jesus said that his followers must “take up their cross” (Matthew 16:24). By accepting crosses gracefully, we become more like Christ, who freely took up his cross.
Crosses are valuable for several reasons. We can unite our suffering with the suffering of Jesus and thereby make it redemptive. We can also patiently endure our crosses as penance for our sins. Moreover, we can offer them up for individuals and intentions like world peace—something desperately needed today.
Dealing with a cross in a positive manner can be a blessing for others. It can inspire them and encourage them to carry their crosses.
Here is a song-meditation on the cross:
• Is there a cross or crucifix that has special meaning for you?
• Do you know someone who accepts a cross patiently? How do they show this?
A Fresh Look at the Rosary
New Book on the Rosary
I was treated to a fresh look at the Rosary by reading a new book on it— The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary by Gary Jansen, my friend at Loyola Press. There are many books about the Rosary, but this one has a different slant. Through sharing personal experiences, Gary shows how praying the Rosary can heal body, bring peace, and draw one closer to God. It is just the right spiritual practice for the traumatic time we live in.
I’ve prayed the Rosary for decades (ha, ha), but some concepts in this book were new to me, for instance . . .
• The idea that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, can lead us to understand him better. The Rosary is a way of spending time with family.
• The repetition of the prayers are like the repetition of life’s greatest gifts: heartbeats, breathing, days and night, seasons.
• The mysteries invite being present and silent.
• Use the Rosary to listen to God.
• The Rosary lowers stress and promotes health.
• Praying the Rosary deepens our spiritual awareness.
• Synchronize breathing with the beads.
• The Rosary is connected to nature. It’s a very physical prayer. As we touch the beads, the rosary involves not only our bodies but the stuff of creation—wood, metal, stone, plastic, even seeds.
An Added Benefit
In addition, the book offers the usual facts about the Rosary. But a special feature is a presentation of each mystery with questions. These deepen your understanding of the mystery and relate it to your life.
If you stopped praying the Rosary or if you never prayed it, this book is for you.
Origin of the Rosary
St. Paul tells us to sing hymns and offer prayers for leaders but says nothing about praying these prayer beads. According to a legend, the Rosary began when the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Dominic in the fifteenth century and gave him a rosary to pray. This legend arose because the Dominicans promoted praying the Rosary.
The truth of the matter is that long ago people prayed the 150 psalms. Illiterate people, however, prayed 150 Our Fathers instead on beads called the paternoster (Latin for “our Father”). Lady Godiva (remember her?) bequeathed her paternoster made of gems to a monastery.
When the Hail Mary prayer was finalized in the twelfth century, people prayed it 150 times on beads beginning each set of ten with an Our Father. The Rosary was called Our Lady’s Psalter. The Hail Mary is rooted in Scripture. It combines the words of the Angel Gabriel with the words of Elizabeth to her and adds a short plea for her prayers. (The Creed at the beginning and the Our Fathers are also Scripture-based.)
Gradually people began to reflect on events in the life of Christ, making the Rosary “the Gospel on beads.” It’s also a way to pray Mary’s memories. These events called mysteries are grouped as Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious.
The Rosary became more popular in 1571 when a large fleet of Turks were on the way to attack Europe. Pope Pius V asked people to pray the Rosary in public to protect Rome. The Christian navy was sure to be defeated. Yet, in the decisive battle of Lepanto, against all odds, the Muslims were trounced. The pope declared the feast of the Holy Rosary, which today is observed on October 7.
Saint Pope John Paul II added five new mysteries in 2002, the first major change in the Rosary in over 500 years.
People Who Prayed the Rosary
The Rosary was Saint Pope John Paul II’s favorite prayer. After September 11, 2001, he urged us to pray it for world peace. So did Mary herself in 1917 when she appeared to the three children in Fatima, Portugal, and called herself Our Lady of the Rosary. Coincidentally, this pope was shot on May 13, the day Mary first appeared in Fatima. Doctors were amazed how the bullet zigzagged to avoid major organs. The pope credited Mary with saving his life and ordered that the bullet placed in the crown of her statue in Fatima.
Likewise at Lourdes, Mary appeared with a rosary suspended from her arm and told St. Bernadette to pray her rosary. Our Blessed Mother prayed along. Of course, she was silent for the Hail Marys, but she joined in on the Our Fathers and Glory Be prayers.
Composer Joseph Haydn always had a rosary with him and prayed it; so did scientist Louis Pasteur. Although Martin Luther left the Catholic Church, he prayed it all his life.
A Lesson Learned
I love this story: A university student seated on a train next to an old man praying the Rosary remarked, “I don’t believe in such silly things. Take my advice. Throw the rosary out the window and learn what science has to say.”
“Science? I don’t understand,” replied the man. “Maybe you can explain it to me.”
The student offered, “Give me your address and I’ll send you some literature.”
Fumbling in his pocket, the old man drew out his business card. The boy looked at the card and burned with embarrassment. It read, “Louis Pasteur, Director of the Institute of Scientific Research, Paris.”
Why People Pray the Rosary
To this day the Rosary remains a popular prayer. It’s more than an ornament in the car, a necklace, or a nice Communion gift. By praying it, we honor Mary—like offering her a garland of roses. It’s also a powerful way to praise God, who created Mary and sent his Son to save us. Praying the Rosary also deepens our faith and links us more closely to God. The Rosary is not just a prayer for grandmas.
We Sisters of Notre Dame pray the Rosary every day. My friend tries to pray four a day.
Some people find praying the Rosary boring because it is so repetitious. Our Blessed Mother obviously doesn’t find it boring. To her it’s like hearing “I love you” over and over.
When and How to Pray the Rosary
A fresh look at the Rosary includes ways to ensure that we really pray and not just say the Rosary.
Times to Pray
• The repetitions of the Hail Marys are like soothing background music to our thoughts—so soothing that the Rosary can be a remedy for sleepless nights, more effective than counting sheep, the Calm app, or lavender oil.
• While walking, running, or exercising, pray the Rosary.
• Pray the Rosary while traveling by car, bus, train, or plane.
• Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., known as the rosary priest, coined the expression “The family that prays together stays together.” So pray the Rosary as a family.
Variations of the Rosary
• Pray along with a Rosary prayed on a CD, an app, or a video on youTube. One site is www.comepraytherosary.org.
• If possible, pray in a different language like Latin, Spanish, French, or American Sign Language.
• Offer the Rosary for an intention or a person or offer each decade for a different, specific intention.
• After each decade pray the Fatima prayer that Mary gave to the children in her third apparition:
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
• Sing some of the prayers.
A Fresh Look at the Mysteries
• Create your own mysteries by praying on five of Jesus’s parables or five of his miracles.
• Think of five original mysteries of the Rosary that are related to Mary. These may be her titles or roles she has.
• Create mysteries based on your experiences, for example, gifts God gave you, mysteries of your family, or your work life.
Bringing the Mysteries to Life
• Spend a minute at the beginning of each decade concentrating on the mystery. At that time ask for the grace to grow in a virtue related to that event too.
• Stay mindful of the mystery by inserting in the Hail Marys words that refer to it. For example, for the first joyful mystery, the Annunciation, you might pray, “Hail Mary, full of grace, to whom the Angel Gabriel came, the Lord . . .”
• Visualize each mystery before praying its decade.
• Reflect on a fruit (virtue) related to the mystery: Annunciation (humility), Visitation (charity), Nativity (love of God), Presentation (obedience), Finding in the Temple (zeal for God).
• Pray a scriptural rosary that presents the verses related to each mystery. These can be found on the Internet and in booklets such as Scriptural Rosaries in Verse by Mary Doreen Strahler, SND.
Different Kinds of Rosaries
Rosaries can be beautiful crystal ones or homemade. The rosary we Sisters used to wear at the side of our habits was large. Most of these had black plastic beads, but the prized ones were made of cherry wood.
Additionally, there are also single decade rosaries: ten-beaded bracelets. I have one made from crushed rose petals.
Rings and key chains with ten beads are available as well as cards with ten holes.
We can always pray the Rosary on our hands, which conveniently have ten fingers! This is how to pray while driving.
The largest rosary is at a shrine in Windsor, Ohio. It is made of foot-high lamps near the tallest statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is 50-feet high.
A Rosary Workbook
Years ago I wrote a workbook about the Rosary for children— The Rosary: The Gospel on Beads for Grades 2—6. It has explanations plus activities. I think there is only one left on Amazon, but if you would like a copy, contact me. I have several copies left.
Palm Sunday
I’m not forgetting that this Sunday is Passion (or Palm) Sunday. Here is a traditional hymn for the day:
• When do you pray the Rosary? Does it bring you comfort?
• Do you have a rosary that is special to you, for example, one you received when you made your First Communion?
Balancing Work, Caregiving, and Your Life: A Guide for Caregivers
A Guide for Caregiving
Harry Cline came to my rescue and provided this helpful blog on caregiving for me to use while I am away visiting my sister. As a caregiver for my mom for several years, I see the value of the following advice:
Caring for Yourself
Caring for an aging loved one while managing a career and personal responsibilities can feel overwhelming. The constant juggling act between professional duties, caregiving tasks, and self-care often leads to burnout if not managed properly. However, with the right strategies in place, you can maintain a sense of balance and prevent exhaustion. By implementing effective planning and support systems, you can fulfill your responsibilities without neglecting your own needs.
Establish a Realistic Schedule
A structured routine can help you manage the daily demands of caregiving without feeling scattered. Start by mapping out essential tasks, including work commitments, caregiving duties, and personal time. Use a planner or digital calendar to visualize your week and identify where you may need adjustments. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and avoid overloading your schedule. Allocating time intentionally ensures that every aspect of your life receives the attention it deserves.
Leverage Support Systems
No one should have to shoulder the burden of caregiving alone, and seeking help can make a significant difference. Reach out to family members, friends, or community organizations that offer respite care or assistance. Consider hiring professional caregivers for specific tasks to lighten your load. Support groups, both online and in-person, provide emotional encouragement and valuable resources. The more you involve others, the more manageable your responsibilities will feel.
Communicate Openly with Your Employer
Balancing work and caregiving is easier when your employer understands your situation. If possible, discuss flexible work arrangements such as remote work, adjusted hours, or taking advantage of family leave policies. Be proactive about managing deadlines and seeking solutions that align with both your job and caregiving duties. Keeping an open line of communication helps create a supportive work environment that accommodates your needs.
Boost Career Prospects with Online Education
Advancing your career while managing caregiving responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but earning an online degree offers the flexibility needed to succeed. With the ability to complete coursework on your schedule, you can continue providing care for your loved one without putting your education on hold. Notably, by earning an MSN degree for healthcare innovation, you open doors to career paths in nurse education, informatics, nurse administration, or advanced practice nursing options.
Prioritize Your Own Well-Being
Self-care is often the first thing to be neglected when juggling multiple responsibilities, but it’s essential for long-term sustainability. Schedule regular breaks, even if they are short, to recharge mentally and physically. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with friends. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity that enables you to be a better caregiver.
Make Use of Technology
Technology can help streamline both work and caregiving tasks, reducing stress and improving efficiency. Use reminder apps to keep track of medication schedules, doctor’s appointments, and daily tasks. Grocery and meal delivery services can save time on errands. Virtual doctor visits and telehealth options make medical care more accessible without requiring extra travel. Embracing digital tools allows you to manage responsibilities more effectively.
Set Healthy Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges for caregivers is learning to say “no” when necessary. Overcommitting can lead to exhaustion, resentment, and decreased effectiveness in all areas of life. Be clear about your limits and communicate them to both your family and workplace. If a request exceeds what you can realistically handle, explore alternatives rather than pushing yourself beyond capacity. Respecting your own boundaries ensures you can continue caregiving without sacrificing your well-being.
Find Moments of Joy and Gratitude
Despite the challenges, caregiving offers opportunities for meaningful connections and moments of joy. Take time to appreciate the small wins and the time you spend with your loved one. Reflecting on positive aspects of caregiving can shift your mindset and prevent burnout. Expressing gratitude, whether through journaling or simple reflection, can bring a sense of fulfillment even on tough days.
Caring for a senior while managing other aspects of life requires a thoughtful approach and practical strategies. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and utilizing available resources, you can create a more balanced and sustainable caregiving experience. The key is to acknowledge your limits and take proactive steps to support your own well-being while continuing to provide the care your loved one needs.
Discover the inspiring works of Sister Kathleen Glavich and explore a treasure trove of Catholic wisdom and spirituality.
• Have you ever been a caregiver? If so, how did you manage to stay healthy yourself?
• Have you benefited from a caregiver? What especially did you like about her or him?
How to Stop Worrying
Not to Worry: A Helpful Site
Last week my blog was about worry. Since then I discovered on Facebook a site by therapist Dr. Sarah Allen that gives excellent advice for banishing worry. I’m taking advantage of her post this week. It was a godsend to me, for I’m flying to Florida Thursday to visit my sister. So I’m busy packing and finding summer clothes that still fit!
Here is the link to Dr. Allen’s post about ways not to worry:
https://drsarahallen.com/10-hacks-to-reduce-anxiety-and-worrying/
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” Official Video
• What makes you happy?
