Each Sunday, as many engage in solemn reflection or religious worship, I find myself drawn to the likes of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in "Road to Rio" or the satirical journey in "Sullivan's Travels." Why, you might ask? Because on the Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual reprieve, I laugh about life rather than lament my sins. This choice is not made lightly but rather with the belief that laughter and joy can serve as forms of worship, leading one closer to a sense of spiritual wholeness.
It's not as though history's thinkers haven't touched upon the value of humor. Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once remarked, "Humor is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer." To chuckle at a well-timed comedic line or revel in the comedic misadventures of Sullivan isn't just about entertainment but an acknowledgment of the shared human experience of joy and folly.
Furthermore, famed philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche posited, "We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh." What Nietzsche suggests here is profound. A life devoid of joy, a day without laughter, seems incomplete, even in our pursuit of truth or understanding.
On Sundays, many turn to religious texts and traditions to find meaning. When Jesus spoke in the New Testament, he often did so with parables – stories meant to instruct and guide. While his tales were not comedic sketches, they often contained elements of the unexpected. They were rooted in the lived experiences of the people. Similarly, while certainly not parables, old movie comedies touch upon universal themes and human truths that resonate across time.
The great Christian author, C.S. Lewis, wrote in "The Weight of Glory," "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." If the divine realms prioritize joy, then surely there's no harm in us mortals seeking it out, particularly on a day dedicated to rest, reflection, and worship. To experience joy and laughter is to partake in a slice of the divine, to be momentarily lifted above the mundane concerns of the world and reminded of a greater connection.
Moreover, the Dalai Lama, a beacon of wisdom for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, has often spoken of the importance of happiness and compassion in our lives. "The purpose of our lives is to be happy," he has been quoted as saying. Suppose old movie comedies provide that happiness, even momentarily. In that case, it becomes a sacred act that fulfills a broader spiritual purpose.
In conclusion, while introspection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness for our transgressions are undeniably valuable spiritual exercises, embracing the moments that make us laugh and feel joy is equally essential. Watching old movie comedies like "Road to Rio" and "Sullivan's Travels" on Sundays serves this purpose. It's my way of celebrating life's absurdities, choosing joy over sorrow, and connecting with a profound truth that transcends time – that laughter, in its purest form, is a gift from the divine.
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