April 1st has long been known as a day for pranks, puns, and harmless trickery, and while the world may seem filled with playful mischief, Catholics can also use this day as an opportunity to laugh with joy and lightness — just as Christ did during his earthly ministry. After all, the ability to laugh and see the humor in life is a true gift, and one that can help us grow in grace.
But, as with all good things, it’s important to approach April Fool’s Day with a sense of balance, keeping our pranks respectful, kind, and above all, loving. St. Thomas Aquinas, with his divine wisdom, might remind us that joy is a virtue and that a heart filled with humor can be a reflection of God’s playful spirit.
Jesus' Subtle Sense of Humor
It’s easy to forget that Jesus himself had moments of witty humor. Though his words were always filled with truth, many of his parables contain subtle humor, often used to challenge his listeners and invite them into deeper reflection. For example, Jesus’ comments about the “log in your own eye” (Matthew 7:3) might sound like a punchline, but they hold profound truth about humility and self-awareness. A divine wink from the Savior, if you will.
And, let’s not forget his lighthearted way of dealing with his disciples. St. Peter’s famously awkward moments — like when he tried to walk on water and sank like a stone (Matthew 14:30) — were met with gentle correction, not scorn. It’s almost as if Jesus were saying, “Nice try, Pete, but maybe keep your eyes on Me next time!” The humor in these interactions was not mocking but an invitation to humility and growth.
St. Thomas Aquinas: A Saint Who Knew How to Laugh
St. Thomas Aquinas, the doctor of the Church and a master of theology, also had his fair share of light moments. Legend has it that St. Thomas had a playful side, and even though his works are filled with deep theological insight, he understood the value of wit and reminds us that we can’t take ourselves too seriously — after all, we’re all human, and we all have our moments of forgetfulness and confusion.
St. Thomas knew that joy and faith are often intertwined. In his writings, he often explored the relationship between laughter and love. After all, a heart filled with love for God naturally overflows with the joy of his presence, and what better way to celebrate that joy than with a hearty laugh?
The Catholic Sense of Humor: Holy and Humble
Catholics have a long tradition of using humor as a way to cope with life’s challenges. From the beloved comic strips of Catholic News Service to the wit of beloved saints like St. Philip Neri, humor in the Catholic tradition is always intertwined with a spirit of humility. Catholic humor isn’t about tearing others down or making fun of our faith; instead, it’s about finding joy in the ordinary, celebrating the gift of life, and even poking fun at our own imperfections.
One of the classic ways that Catholics demonstrate humor is through the idea of holy foolery — a kind of joyful abandon that acknowledges the mystery of God’s plan, even in the midst of suffering or uncertainty. The holy fool often acts in ways that seem nonsensical or absurd to the world, but these acts are deeply rooted in faith and love. Just as St. Francis of Assisi embraced poverty and simplicity, or St. Teresa of Avila had a playful spirit despite the rigors of her Carmelite life, we too can embrace joy as a form of worship.
Closing Thoughts: Embrace the Divine Laughter
April Fool’s Day may be a day for pranks, but it can also be a day to embrace the joy and wonder of life in Christ. Let’s remember that laughter is a reflection of God’s love — lighthearted, joyful, and full of hope. So go ahead, play a harmless prank, share a smile, and remember: The best joke is the one where we all realize that, in the end, God is the greatest comedian of all. His sense of humor is infinite, and His love for us is boundless.
