blog.sinden.org

"Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious."

Peter Ustinov

It's been one year since the untimely death of comedian Mitch Hedberg.

While he may never be raised to sainthood, I believe his incredible observations about the world around us point us to an understanding about where we are as human beings in God's kingdom. To me, Mitch is more than just a funny guy. He points us to God.

His death also says something about God. Comedians -- those people whose job it is to always make people laugh at the absurdities of the world -- can get awfully depressed some times, more so than typical non-funny people. I guess it's their attempt to lift themselves out of absurd human fallenness through humor that can be so personally destructive. If they find themselves unable to laugh, they could be in trouble.

Humor is important to human life, and I would wager it's a part of who God is. But just like the other gifts of God's creation, humor can be taken to excess.

It's not our job to lift ourselves up. Only God can offer salvation.

A provisional collect for the Feast of Mitch Hedberg:

O Radiant God, Laughing Light of all creation, shine down on the laughter of your children and show us the true Joy of each other's company, that we may begin to understand on earth the realm you have prepared for us in heaven, where you abide with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.