Looking Forward to April 7, 2013 -- 2nd of Easter

This Sunday we will join in the tradition (practiced in some places) of Holy Humour Sunday.

The Scripture Readings this week are:

• Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-6
• Psalm 150
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Sermon title is Give Us to Laughter 

Early Thoughts: What is Holy Humour Sunday?  As this link discusses, it is an old tradition that is being revived.  Or you could read more at this link.

In her hymn based on Psalm 100 Linnea Good writes

Make a Joyful noise all the earth
worship your god with gladness
make a joyful noise all the earth
come to this place with a song

I would say it is equally accurate to change that last word to laugh.

Laughter, they say is the best medicine.  A full fledged belly laugh require us to relax (and also relaxes us), to let down our guard, to lose ourselves in the moment.

God, the Scriptures and the tradition tell us, wants us to be people of joy.  God, also according to the Scriptures, appears to be very foolish at times.  Sarah laughs at the foolishness of being told she would finally have a child when she knew that she was past the age where such things happen.  Paul reminds us that the whole idea of crucifixion and resurrection as basis of faith is itself inherently foolish.

There is a hymn that asks "Give to us laughter".  But I think more often we need to reverse those middle words.  Give us to laughter.  Let us relax.  Help us let go.  Help us appear foolish.  Most of us used to do it far more than we do now.  Why did we stop?  SO come and open yourslef to the laughter of God.

Now I just have to find some good (and church-appropriate) jokes....
--Gord