There are now many versions of “Laughing Jesus” all over the Internet, most of them based on the original image of a long-haired man, with his head thrown back in full-throated laughter.

Laughing Jesus might as well have an LOL stamped on his forehead and be wearing a YOLO T-shirt, the image is so desperate for us to believe Jesus is fun and relatable.

This photo of Willis Wheatley, creator of the Laughing Jesus, was probably taken in 1983. UCC Archives, Toronto. 97.084P/14.

Find today’s reading here. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” (Lk 10:14) Many of us of a certain age grew up with an image of Jesus in our homes, regarding us dreamily, softly ...