The Sanctifier has to work through our sense of humor. Good laughter comes because we can appreciate how even serious moments and people have levity to them.
The things we most cherish demand a “Platonic turn,” one that reaches into the muck of incomplete ideas, and with a bit of virtuous unknowing produces a glimpse of goodness worthy of deep affection.
For all the failures of the American bishops, it would be foolish to suppose they're anything less than successors to the Apostles. But if we believe this, we should vigorously demand it.