There is a theological sense in which the whole future of ministry and the health of both clergy and churches depends on rediscovering the place of laughter in our ministry and church life. Humor can help you step back, breathe, and recognize that since we are not the savior, maybe we can learn to enjoy life where we are not always in control.
One of the failures for many Christians is that in their attempt to be pious, they have lost the Jewish ability to play with Scripture. Consider the story of Jesus at the wedding at Cana with a touch of humor.
THE WEDDING AT CANA
Why was Jesus at that wedding at Cana? The Gospel says, “There was a wedding at Cana, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited.”
Weddings can bring out our insecurities. You see this young couple looking so cheerful and just bubbling over with love. A mother of an unwed son can have her grandbaby radar triggered by such an event. Mary may have coaxed Jesus to come to the wedding. Can you hear the conversation between mother and son?
Mary: “ Great wedding, everyone looks so happy, don’t you think so, son?”
Jesus: “Yes, Mother.”
Mary: “Come on, son, relax, enjoy yourself.”
Jesus: “Yes, Mother.”
Mary: “Don’t they look so happy, so much in love? You know Jesus, marriage isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you?”
Jesus: “Mother, must we talk about this again?”
Mary: “Sara thinks her daughter will have a grandchild within a year. How could a mother ask for more?”
Jesus: “I get the point mother.”
Mary: “I notice several women are part of your group. Anyone special, son?”
Jesus: “They are all special in God’s eyes, Mother.”
Mary: “I didn’t have my sights quite so high, Jesus.”
Jesus: “I know, mother.”
Mary: “Now don’t take offense, son. A mother worries when her son works so hard. You’re not getting any younger, you know?”
Jesus: “ You reminded me of that at my last birthday, Mother.”
Mary: “Forget I even said anything, Jesus. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Weddings are special. It makes a mother’s heart glad to see so many happy people—romance in the air—lots of pretty girls—a little wine, who knows what could happen.”
Jesus: “It’s all in God’s hands, mother.”
Mary: “So is it so wrong for a mother to give God a little push from time to time?”
Jesus: “Mother, you keep this up, and you are going to give Jewish mothers a bad reputation.”
Mary: “Oh, my, look at the chief steward, he seems so downcast. I bet that old skinflint of a father didn’t buy enough wine for the party.”
Jesus: “That is not our concern, Mother. I’m sure they will take care of the problem.”
Mary: “Jesus, I’m surprised at you. It’s not like you to turn your back on someone in need.”
Jesus: “Mother, this is hardly the time or the place for me to do something.”
Mary: “What! Is God against joy and good beginnings for a couple’s marriage?”
Jesus: “Mother, I hardly see this as appropriate. We must not test the Lord our God.”
Mary: “Jesus, don’t I recall you saying that you came that people might have life and have it more abundantly? What is so abundant about denying this happy couple a joyous beginning?”
Jesus: “That’s not bad, Mother, can I quote you on that?”
Mary: “Later, Jesus.”
Jesus: “I’m beginning to understand what is so difficult about the commandment of honoring your father and mother. Do you suppose just honoring your father would satisfy the commandment?”
Mary: “Stewards, my son can help you, just do what he says.”
There were six jars, each holding about 30 gallons of water. Jesus changed that 180 gallons of water into fine wine.
The whole wedding party broke into “Joyful, joyful, we adore you.”
