A Reflection on Humor Among Christians

no greater ridicule besets the scarred person
than that which assails him from a fellow Christian
all in the name of good fun, innocent humor,
a call to self-deprecation in the presence of many.

let's not take ourselves too seriously, says the pundit,
as he holds in his hands the beating hearts of pain,
his own and those of others, squeezing tightly to the
scandalized laughter of evaporating consciences.

nevermind what the greats of yesteryear said--their day
is gone, forgotten by the need for incisive edginess.
never humiliate another person, said Mr. Hope.
the echo of his refrain seems to be viewed as irrelevant.

no, it is better toe the line of propriety.
it is better to push the edges of scandal.
it is better to obey the laws of diminishing return,
stopping just short of outright abusiveness.

i wonder
have we forgotten the Lord's command to love one another?
have we forgotten the Lord's command to love mercy?
have we forgotten the Lord's command to love our enemies?

25 March 2007 by Glen Alan Woods