麻豆社

Friday 21st March 2014

(6) Laughter

Good morning On this day in 1999 we lost one of our best-loved comedians, Ernie Wiseman, stage name Ernie Wise, of that unique duo Morecambe and Wise. Together they were as much part of our Christmas fare as turkey and Brussels Sprouts. When many of us feel overwhelmed with life鈥檚 problems laughter is indeed the best medicine. This includes the ability to laugh at ourselves, our mistakes and foibles, the predicaments we get ourselves into. Laughter helps us not to take ourselves too seriously.

As the shipstraightman of the pair,聽 Ernie Wise filled his role admirably. We could identify with him and his treatment at the hands of the ebullient, self-confident Morecambe, who, let it be said, was never cruel in his put-downs.聽 And Ernie Wise also played to perfection the role of 鈥榮econd-fiddle鈥�, the 鈥榝all-guy鈥�, who nevertheless had his own unique contribution to make.

Many of us have to be content to play that 鈥榮econdary鈥� role, supportive sometimes when聽 someone we, feel is less capable than we are is聽 stealing the limelight, receiving the accolades, doing the honours. It can be a challenge to self-esteem. But if we can retain a sense of humour we can survive. If Christianity can seem somewhat 鈥榢illjoy鈥� the Bible is in fact full of references to 鈥榡oy鈥� 鈥� 鈥渢he joy of the gospel鈥�, as Pope Francis has put it. And that鈥檚 not far from laughter.

Lord God, thank you for those who bring laughter into our lives. Thank you for humour, banter, fun. Thank you for the innocent cheerfulness of children, who can make us smile even through our tears. May we bring joy into the lives of those around us 鈥� today. AMEN