Saints for Fun
Because joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, naturally saints have a sense of humor. They are not the solemn, dour people as sometimes assumed to be. This quality makes them attractive. Arguably the prime example of a saint who loved to have fun was St. Philip Neri. He walked around in shoes too […]
Children and Prayer Anecdotes
We all have memories of learning how to pray. I remember my mother practicing the Our Father and other prayers with me as I swung in our basement. This was for my Wednesday catechism classes. My friend’s Italian mother used the Hail Mary, which speaks of “fruit of thy womb,” to teach her about the […]
Christmas 2024, A Time to Be Merry
The birthday of Jesus, King of the Universe
My Story: Humor Helping Pain
God’s Funny Bone Did you ever laugh so heartily that tears trickled down your cheeks and you were gasping for breath? What a gift! Animals spend their lives eating, pooping, mating, and sleeping, a rather boring existence. Humans do those things too, but a sense of humor adds spice to their life. Now, because we […]
Joy, How to Maintain This “Best Makeup”
In preparing my talk to religious in New Orleans, I came across Anne Lamott’s words: “Joy is the best makeup.” This is true because a person who is full of joy has a radiant face. Peace and happiness shine forth from it. Eyes sparkle, cheeks are rosy, lips curve in a pleasant smile. […]
Laughs for a Winter Day
If your weather is like ours here in Chardon, Ohio, it might be time for a little lightheartedness. So here is a collection of winter/Christmas cartoons that I posted on Facebook. Enjoy! Remember, as a real human being, Jesus laughed too. The movie “Chosen” portrays him this way. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend […]
Funny Cartoons During COVID-19
Every day I’ve been posting humorous cartoons on Facebook. Several people have told me how much they enjoy them. We need something to lighten our spirits when it is easy to be overwheled with bad news. In case you are not my “friend” on Facebook, this week I’m providing thirty of the funniest cartoons for […]
Humor and Inspiration in the Age of the Coronavirus
During this dark and terrifying time, our sense of humor and urge to encourage one another are healthy. For your delight and inspiration, this week I’m presenting twelve images I’ve shared on Facebook and one fascinating video that shows what the human race can accomplish when we work together. Finally, at the very end is […]
To Brighten and Inspire You
Here is something for the cold, gloomy days we are experiencing: As I cleaned out things accumulated over decades in preparation for moving, I came across the following clever piece. Whenever I see excellence—such as a stunning ballet, a breathtaking piece of art, or a well-written poem or story—I’m spurred on to do the best […]
Did Jesus Enjoy Being a Human?
According to the Gospels, Jesus was aware of the horrible way his life would end on earth. This might have put a pall on his thirty-three years. He could have spent each day dreading his future. Maybe that is why there is no record of Jesus laughing or even smiling. But when you think about […]