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For centuries in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant countries, the week following Easter Sunday was observed by the faithful as days of joy and laughter, with parties and picnics to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.

The Fellowship of Merry Christians, an ecumenical organization, helps churches revive this custom today by celebrating "Holy Humor Sunday" on the second Sunday of Easter. St. Joseph's parish in Greenfield Center and its mission, St. Paul's in Rock City Falls, joined the celebration at Masses the weekend of April 6-7.

A poster of the risen Christ by the sea, depicting Jesus with a broad smile on His face, was placed prominently in the sanctuary. Some parishioners remarked that it was the first time they saw Jesus smiling; while we profess that the Gospel is the Good News, much religious art conveys a more somber tone. The picture beautifully captures the spirit of Jesus, who rejoiced with people at weddings, went fishing with friends and broke bread and shared wine at meals where all were welcome.

Good and holy humor is God's protection against worry, anxiety and fear. Christian joy springs from the resurrection of Jesus. Christian joy does not minimize the suffering of the world or the crosses that we endure; Christian joy testifies that we are Easter people and that the empty tomb, not the cross, is God's final word.

The music, homily and liturgical atmosphere reflected the spirit of Jesus, who invited His disciples to celebrate their faith: "I have said these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).

For a brief time, the assembly experienced that sense of gratitude and joy captured in Psalm 118: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it." Just before the recessional song, red clown noses were distributed to the congregation to help us let go a bit, embrace the child in each of us and delight in a special moment in which the body of Christ celebrated Easter joy in all its wonder.

Afterward, refreshments, games, face-painting, bubbles, costumes and music helped keep the spirit of this special day alive. Everyone left church that day with a big smile on his or her face, and many still wore their clown noses.

It is unfortunate that many people do not view Christianity as a joyful religion. Maybe that's one reason membership in most mainline denominations has declined significantly.

On weeknights, pubs are overflowing with music, conversation and laughter during "happy hour." Sunday is our happy hour. Why doesn't our happy hour attract as many people? It may be that we have yet to become Easter people, filled with joy, laughter and humor despite the hardships we face. We are challenged to bring that joy into a world that desperately needs the Good News of the Gospel.

Keep an eye out for people wearing red noses - in grocery checkout lines, hospital corridors and sitting patiently in their cars during traffic jams. Hopefully, they will brighten someone's day and bring a smile. What a simple and powerful way to give witness to Easter joy!

(Deacon Solomon serves St. Joseph's parish in Greenfield Center and St. Paul's mission church in Rock City Falls.)[[In-content Ad]]

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