POSTSCRIPT TO

 HUMOR – PART II

In the last blog, we mentioned that humor was on the “short list” of what was allowed in church. At that time we said that we would not go into the long list of what was not usually acceptable practices in church, “although that might be fun”. But… this weekend produced an exception…

Over the 4^th of July weekend this year I was dog-sitting and house sitting for my daughter. The house overlooked the riverfront area of downtown Cincinnati. My sister visiting from New Orleans and myself thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks over the Reds’ stadium and all around the additional panoramic river view—on both Friday and Saturday evenings . On Sunday morning we went to a familiar old gothic church, which held their services in the (air conditioned) basement area that doubled as a reception room for weddings, etc.

Midway through the mass, at a very quiet time, the second assistant (deacon, I believe) went silently up the stairs, behind the altar, across the back of the platform in front of the huge wall cross, and turned on a wall switch. Immediately, a few feet above our heads, a mirror ball came to life and began spinning, casting light in every direction, breaking the solemn mood. (Was this meant to be a glittery finale to the fourth of July weekend? Surely this festive nod to Independence Day must be a mistake…)

Meanwhile, with eyes cast down piously, the dignified deacon—making his return trip—failed to realize the effects of the "presumed" light switch, and continued to walk quietly to his seat. He was still looking down, completely unaware... 

...as suppressed laughter spread throughout the congregation. Amid his own quiet chuckles, the first assisting deacon left the altar and finally succeeded—at first, unobtrusively, then finally , quite directly and repeatedly—in conveying to the other deacon what had happened. 

Smile was met with smile. The stately gentleman then made another slow, sauntering trip to the "light"/ mirror ball switch. Dignity was restored. (The temptation to get up and dance had passed.)

Later this week we will launch into the third blog on “Humor”… but in a little more serious vein. (There will still be some jokes and anecdotes. I, too, am getting a bit addicted to them… But then, a “Humor Anonymous” group—should I ever need one—sounds very inviting to me. I’ll even start one if need be…)