The "Laurel and Hardy" Principle

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, the comedy team whose names are almost a household doublet, made 105 movies together. But few of their nostalgic fans ever heard of the 76 movies that Laurel made without Hardy, or the 213 movies that Hardy made without Laurel.

Like ham and eggs, fish and chips, lox and bagels, or corned beef and cabbage, some things seem to be meant to go together. And that is true for persons as well - like a happily married couple, or close friends, or compatible business partners (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And often it's not just two persons in conjnunction, but also large or small groups accomplishing things cooperatively that couldn't be done alone, whether it be space launches, rose Bowl parades, or prayer groups. As Aristotle said, humans are social animals and hence interdependant. Philosophically, this principle finds its spiritual validation in the Bible's command for church attendance (see Hebrews 10:25) and its endorsement of family devotions (see Acts 10:2).

This same grouping principle was sublimated by Jesus' promised that even the smallest Christ-centered group could draw down from heaven answers to prayers, and also the personal presence of Jesus, himself: "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Mt 18:19-20). Some graces are found only in groups where Jesus is present; don't miss becoming empowered and God-hugged

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net