Today we celebrate International Laughter Day. And in agustinosrecoletos.com we cannot fail to remember one of the most authentic and contagious smiles that Pope Francis gave us.
From his spontaneous joy at general audiences, to moments of play, encounter and pastoral tenderness, his smile was a constant gesture of hope.
Today we share five endearing images that capture him as he was: a close pastor, a man of faith… and good humor.
Thank you, Holy Father, for teaching us that joy is also part of the Gospel.
Smile and sense of humor: simple beauty that changes lives
In a recent video message, Pope Francis shared a personal confidence that portrays his simple and profound spirituality:
“If you ask me, give me an example of simple, everyday beauty that we can have to help others be happier, two come to mind: smiling and a sense of humor.”
The smile, Francis said, is “the flower of the heartespecially when it is gratuitous, sincere and disinterested. It is not a strategy to please, but a gift that transmits hope even in the midst of difficulties.
A very special morning prayer
The Pope also revealed that every day, after praying Lauds, he recites a prayer by St. Thomas More that helps him keep his soul light and open to grace: a plea for the gift of a sense of humor.
This prayer, simple and profound, has been for years a secret of her daily spirituality. Below, we share it in its entirety, as a beautiful gift on this day:
Prayer for good humor – St. Thomas More
Grant me, Lord, a good digestion,
and also something to digest.
Grant me the health of the body,
with the necessary good humor to maintain it.
Give me, O Lord, a holy soul who knows how to take advantage of
that which is good and pure, so that it may not be frightened by
sin, but to find a way to put the sin into the
things back in order.
Grant me a soul that knows no boredom,
the murmurings, sighs and lamentations and not
to suffer excessively for such a being, and to
dominant that is called: ME.
Give me, Lord, a sense of humor.
Grant me the grace to understand the jokes,
to know in life a little bit of joy and
can communicate it to others.
A smile that reflects the Gospel
Pope Francis reminds us that is the sign of a heart inhabited by God.. Therefore, on this International Day of the Smile, we Augustinian Recollects celebrate joy as part of our spirituality and mission.
Because to laugh with sincerity, to live with humor and to share hope is also to proclaim the Gospel.
Thank you, Francisco
Thank you, Francis, for giving us your smile. For being a living image of the joy of the Risen Lord. Thank you for teaching us that the Gospel can also be preached with good humor.
Today we thank you for so much. Now you are smiling down on us from heaven. Watch over us from there and speak to the God of joy about us, who here below are still striving to smile.