Funny Guy

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 6:39-45

One of the best interactions I have with our grandchildren is when they tell me that, “Grandpa’s are not silly.” I, of course, immediately fake righteous indignation and make a very stern face as I reply, “No they are not!” This has become a bit of a “thing” with us and it’s hilarious. Everybody laughs as I chase them down to tickle them.

I’ve always enjoyed using humor whenever and wherever I can to make a point. I am a big fan of puns and wry jokes. In fact, it was my humor that made her fall in love with me. Just ask her! Back in my previous life, I made sure all my presentations included a bit of humor. And perhaps you’ve picked up on a bit of sly humor in these writings. Humor breaks down inhibitions and barriers to learning new things. It sucks people in and makes them want to hear more.

I invite you to go back and read today’s Gospel with a sense of humor. See if you can see Jesus raise his eyebrows and crack a little grin as he tells us these parables. A blind person leading another blind person. Not possible! Students on par with their teacher? I’ll bet Jesus’ disciples liked that thought. A plank in my eye? Now how is that even possible? Figs from thorn bushes? Ha! Now wouldn’t that be a thing to see!

But see, Jesus is crafty in that way. He got everyone talking about these crazy situations that can’t really happen, and then he lays out what he is trying to us all. “Good people produce goodness from the good in their hearts.” Jesus is telling his disciples, and he is telling me, that the things I say and do are a reflection of what is in my heart. If I am blinded by weaknesses, I will lead others astray. If I think I am better than my teachers, I will not become as wise as they. If I cannot see the shortcomings of my own life, how dare I try to point out other’s faults.

Although the parables seem farfetched at first, Jesus breaks down my reticence to learn by using a bit of humor. And then I can see it even clearer than had it been a strict lecture. I need to examine my heart and see what needs to be cleaned out and cleared out. What kind of self-limiting thoughts do I have? What kind of jealousy do I harbor? Who am I refusing to forgive? What bad jokes should I forget? Hoo boy, do I have the work to do.

If I want to be a reflection of the love and mercy of God to my friends and neighbors, then I have to be willing to look within and evaluate how I do better. I can always do better. I have to choose the best words that lift people up and not tear them down. I have to allow people to be who they are and not try to make them conform to my idea of right or wrong. I have to allow others to have their own opinions and ideas and not allow that to threaten me. And above all, I simply need to do my best at being a child of God each and every moment.

Every day I am presented with opportunities to fill up my heart with goodness. Every day I am presented with opportunities to let all the evil out of my heart. And every day I am presented with opportunities to share that love and mercy that only God can give with as many people as I can. Sometimes I’ll use humor. Sometimes I won’t. But I will speak out of “the fullness of my heart.”

Every Day.