In the mid-1990’s, a doctor in India learned that intentionally laughing—even when the joke isn’t funny—relaxes you, boosts the immune system, relieves anxiety and depression, and improves heart conditions. He established “laughter clubs”, and before the pandemic, there were more than 5,000 of these clubs worldwide.
 
What is remarkable is that the immune system can’t distinguish between this created laughter and laughter that is brought on by something you naturally find funny.
 
Today, every reading says, “Shout for joy, cry out with gladness, rejoice in the Lord!” You might think, “The world’s a mess; my life is a disaster, and God is nowhere. How am I supposed to rejoice?” The Scriptures can tell us: “Be glad and exult with all our hearts… fear not, don’t be discouraged!” because there is a much deeper reality ruling in our lives that we must acknowledge to be set free from fear.

Just because we don’t always personally feel God’s presence doesn’t mean that it is not there (it is), or that there is no reason to hope. While we wait we don’t always feel like laughing, because we are living amid a world destroyed by sin and death. Yes, it can be hard to trust God’s “other plans”, but it’s a bit like laughing until we realize we really do have something to laugh about! 
 
While we wait, Jesus tells us how-to live-in peace: share your food and clothing; don’t be a bully or a gossip; be an honest and peaceful person and deal fairly with others. Amid the chaos keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, until you can say, like the Psalmist, “I am confident and unafraid.”
 
CONFESSIONS
This Wednesday, December 15th, all the parishes in the diocese will have an opportunity for the Faithful to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). Confessions will be heard at both St. John Capistran and St. Thomas More churches from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.