Did Jesus Just Make a Joke?

Several years ago, I sat in a small chapel at about 11 at night on a retreat. The day had been a long and fruitful one, and I was hesitant to go to sleep and end the day. So there I sat in silence in front of Jesus, not really praying, just sitting. And I realized I was REALLY tired.

So I finally said, “Jesus, I’m sorry but I’ve got to go to sleep.” The next second, without a beat, the funniest thought popped into my head. “Well, now I know how John (my husband) feels.” And when you read that, it maybe doesn’t sound funny, but as I heard it in my head, I could sense it was said with humor and a bit of sarcasm.

Did Jesus just make a joke?! Was He actually teasing me a little?

You see, I have a tendency to go to sleep early, or rather, fall asleep early, usually on the couch. And my poor husband (who is a night owl), having married me for better or worse, is left to watch the end of movies alone many nights.

I actually had to stifle a laugh. Because I’m sitting in a completely silent chapel…in front of Jesus in the Monstrance…on retreat…at 11PM! And Jesus is making jokes with me!! Well, that was a new experience.

This past week over family dinner a joke was made by our daughter that brought me to tears. Those kinds of laughs are priceless. But what was even better happened the next day when I went to daily Mass. And let me just say, you can’t make this stuff up.

During the offertory all of a sudden I found myself almost in a fit of laughter over the joke from the previous night. I hadn’t been thinking of it. I had been trying to pray! And the thought in my head was: “That was hilarious last night, wasn’t it?! So good.” And I knew Jesus was saying to me (in the middle of serious business at the altar, mind you): “Yep, I was there and it was great!”

So what’s my point? Well, Jesus is funny, and God has a sense of humor.

Have you ever even thought about this?! It’s kind of mind blowing! But of course it’s also true!

Think about it – God created everything. Everything He created is good. And everything good is from God. Laughter and humor are good (when exercised properly), and therefore, reflect an aspect of God.

In today’s first reading from the book of Wisdom, we hear:

“For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen.”
Wisdom 13:5

Every good attribute that we see and experience through our family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, teammates, and even strangers, is an attribute of God. Through other’s goodness we see a reflection of our Creator.

Maybe you’ve never thought of God as having a sense of humor. I hadn’t either until He showed up making jokes. We all have these preconceived ideas of who God is, and it’s all very limited. Our beliefs about God’s nature are clouded by our experiences and life circumstances.

Luckily, He is not constrained by our beliefs! And I’m so glad, because it’s really refreshing to know that I can laugh with my God. And this got me thinking.

What other traits does God exhibit that I’ve never thought about?

And I began to think of all those people closest to me and all their wonderful characteristics. Some that came to mind right away: humor and wit, honesty and integrity, thoughtfulness, tenacity, kindheartedness, creativity, intelligence.

And also things like: an appreciation of beauty, love of entertaining and being with others, sense of justice and fairness, dedication to a skill or purpose, and devotion to their loved ones.

The list could go on and on.

Most of us, before we’ve had a personal experience of Jesus, imagine God only in impersonal, lofty terms – creator, savior – and sometimes negatively – judge, accuser. And often we attribute characteristics to God that are not true, for example, as punishing and vindictive.

But God is NOT just an idea, and we are often deceived into believing false ideas of who He is.

Yes, He is judge, but He is just. And yes, He does accuse, but He does so gently and for our greater good. And of course, He is our Creator and Savior, but He is also a person longing to know each of us personally.

If you are struggling to get to know Him, if you think of God in negative terms, if you have not yet had a personal experience of God, I invite you to brainstorm every good quality that you see in those closest to you. Make a list if you’d like. Be specific and look for the less obvious characteristics.

Every good quality that you brainstorm – that is Jesus. That is your God. Get to know Him. And lastly, don’t leave it at a brainstorming session. Ask Him to show you who He is. Take that list to prayer, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

He will not disappoint you. Remember, Jesus is Goodness Incarnate.

Could you use some prayers?

Sometimes we are hesitant to ask for prayers from those we know, but we could really use the help. I’m starting a prayer list that will be emailed to all subscribers monthly, so that we can pray for each others intentions.

If you’d like your intention added to the list, send me an email: alexandra@transformourhearts.com. I will only use first names, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, just let me know.