On the February 4th episode of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert switched roles with his guest, Dua Lipa. The twenty-six-year-old singer, songwriter and host of her podcast Service95, asked Stephen the following question: 

“I think something your viewers connect with in your comedy and hosting skills, especially in the past few years, is how open and honest and authentic you are about the role your faith plays in your life. And I was wondering…does your faith and your comedy ever overlap? And does one ever win out?”  

I think it’s worth pausing here for a second just to reflect—even pray—on that two-part question. Beginning with the first part, we can substitute any profession, activity, even relationship here:

Does your faith and your study ever overlap?

Does your faith and your work ever overlap?

How about your relationships with your friends, your teammates, your significant other?

Your goals and aspirations?

Your desires?

Does one ever win out?

What do you think?

We believe that our faith in Jesus Christ, when lived out authentically, ultimately touches on every aspect of our lives—how we treat each other, how we organize our priorities, how we “live, move, [run] and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Now for Colbert’s characteristically funny, but moving and heartfelt response:

“I think, ultimately, us all being mortal, the faith will win out at the end. But I certainly hope when I get to Heaven, Jesus has a sense of humor. But I will say this: I’m a Christian and a Catholic, always connected to the idea of love and sacrifice being somehow related and giving yourself to other people – and that death is not defeat.”

He went on to discuss Kenneth Branagh’s recent film, Belfast, saying that:

“It’s funny, and sad, and it’s funny about being sad; in the same way that sadness is like a little bit of an emotional death, but not a defeat if you can find a way to laugh about it because that laughter keeps you from having fear of it. And fear is the thing that keeps you from turning to evil devices to save you from the sadness….So, if there’s some relationship between my faith and my comedy, it’s that no matter what happens you are never defeated. You must understand this and see this in the light of eternity and find some way to love and laugh with each other.”

Wow. Right? It’s totally worth reflecting and praying on, as I found myself doing during this morning’s chilly, early run.

But please, if you haven’t seen it, take a few minutes and check it out. As one of our students who recommended it to me said: “Watch the Colbert. He just gives a two-minute impromptu homily on national TV. It’s wild.”