My reading project this week was Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. The crazy antics of Yossarian are good for more than just a good laugh. The book has revolutionized my week.
Monday began with decisions and responsibilities for which I felt ill-equipped. My heart was burdened.
But by mid-week, I was lighthearted again. The reason? Catch-22 reminded me that we just can't take life that seriously. Every character in the book is a parody of someone we are or know. The dutiful are lampooned along with the slackers. Those in positions of power look like bungling idiots. No one is safe from Heller’s satire.
But by mid-week, I was lighthearted again. The reason? Catch-22 reminded me that we just can't take life that seriously. Every character in the book is a parody of someone we are or know. The dutiful are lampooned along with the slackers. Those in positions of power look like bungling idiots. No one is safe from Heller’s satire.
As I reflected on Heller’s perspective, I was reminded that we human beings are just children, slightly baffled most of the time. And when we forget that, something vital is missing.
Spiritual Goofballs
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus’ disciples come off as spiritual goofballs. They never get anything right. How reassuring to know that those who later changed the world started off like the Three Stooges.
How often I feel like a spiritual buffoon. My attempts to understand the ways love works in the world are like a Lucy and Ethel routine.
How freeing it is to release our pretensions of grandeur to embrace the embarrassing predicament of human life. There is a life-giving power in laughing at our human foibles.
Reflection Questions
Think of a situation during the past week in which you felt over your head.
What is the humor in the situation?
How can you step into the freedom of not having to have all the answers?
How can you enjoy your identity as God’s child, knowing that play and hilarity are important steps on the journey to wholeness?
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus’ disciples come off as spiritual goofballs. They never get anything right. How reassuring to know that those who later changed the world started off like the Three Stooges.
How often I feel like a spiritual buffoon. My attempts to understand the ways love works in the world are like a Lucy and Ethel routine.
How freeing it is to release our pretensions of grandeur to embrace the embarrassing predicament of human life. There is a life-giving power in laughing at our human foibles.
Reflection Questions
Think of a situation during the past week in which you felt over your head.
What is the humor in the situation?
How can you step into the freedom of not having to have all the answers?
How can you enjoy your identity as God’s child, knowing that play and hilarity are important steps on the journey to wholeness?
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