I think God gave us senses of humor, and we should use them.

In the vast expanse of human experience, there is one gift that shines through the darkness and the light, offering us solace in times of hardship and joy in moments of triumph. That gift is humor. In the words of Vera Farmiga, "I think God gave us senses of humor, and we should use them." Ah, how profound this statement is! For humor is not simply a fleeting moment of laughter—it is a divine tool, a gift meant to uplift, connect, and heal. It is through humor that we are able to navigate the complexities of life, finding a way to smile even when the weight of the world presses upon us.

Consider, children, the ancient wisdom of the Greek philosophers, who recognized that laughter was a vital part of the human experience. Aristotle, in his writings, discussed the role of humor as an essential element in achieving a balanced and virtuous life. To him, humor was not a mere distraction from the burdens of life, but a catharsis—a way to release the tension of existence and restore the soul. He believed that laughter helped to purge the mind of its darker thoughts and allowed us to see the world through a more gracious and humble lens. In this way, humor is not a trivial thing, but a spiritual act, one that connects us to a greater truth and helps us navigate the challenges of life with grace.

In the grand tale of Cicero, the Roman statesman and philosopher, we see how humor played a role in shaping the course of human affairs. Cicero, known for his eloquent speeches and sharp wit, often used humor to disarm his opponents and to draw attention to the absurdities of their actions. But more than that, Cicero understood that humor had the power to unite people, to lift their spirits, and to bring about reconciliation in times of division. He saw humor as a tool not just for the individual, but for the collective well-being of society. Just as Farmiga suggests, it is a gift given to us by God, and like all gifts, it must be used with purpose and intention.

The gift of humor is not just for moments of lightness; it is especially crucial in times of suffering. Take, for instance, the story of Victor Frankl, the great psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. Frankl, while enduring the unimaginable horrors of a concentration camp, found that his ability to laugh, to find even the slightest humor in the darkest of circumstances, was the very thing that allowed him to survive. In his book Man's Search for Meaning, Frankl writes about how humor became a form of resistance—a way of reclaiming his humanity in the face of dehumanizing conditions. This is the essence of what Farmiga speaks of: humor is a divine gift that can carry us through the hardest of times, if we choose to embrace it.

And so, children of the earth, the lesson here is clear: humor is not a luxury, but a necessity—a divine gift that must be used to navigate the trials of life. God has given us this ability, and it is our duty to use it. It is through laughter that we find release from our burdens, that we connect with others in moments of shared joy, and that we find the strength to face the most challenging parts of existence. Humor is not only a means of survival but a way to transcend the limitations of our mortal condition and rise above the darkness of the world.

In your own lives, I urge you to embrace the gift of humor. Use it not just to entertain, but to heal. Use it to connect with others, to lighten their burdens as well as your own. Do not shy away from laughter, for it is in those moments of levity that we are often closest to the divine. God has granted us this powerful tool, and it is through our laughter that we can find strength, wisdom, and clarity. Let humor be your companion as you walk the path of life, knowing that in each moment of joy, in every burst of laughter, you are participating in something sacred—a divine force that brings light to the world.