Funeral Laughter

The priest began with a joke and he ended with a joke. So it was the same joke, that’s okay. It was a good one, one we could all relate to about the deceased loved one, one that was lovingly respectful.

I attended the funeral of an acquaintance last week. I appreciated the priest’s engaging Irish accent, his heartfelt words, and his not-too-much and not-too-little sprinkling of humor throughout the sermon.

Funerals have come such a long way. Most everyone understands the need for humor, especially at a time of such intense emotions as grief and loss. I remember my father’s funeral long long ago in 1964. There were no jokes, no laughing, no humor. Catholic priests back then didn’t even speak English. Remember those masses in Latin?

Now when people get up and share their stories and memories of the lost person, we love those stories that make us laugh. It eases the tension and sparks the best memories.

Funerals have come a long way indeed.

Photo: Stock.xchnge