“PROFESSOR appalled by reports the word ‘gullible’ is dropped from dictionary.”

Not a new joke but as with the news today… check the date! April Fool’s Day: spaghetti growing on trees or Big Ben goes digital.

TV shows such as Beadle’s About, Candid Camera, Trigger Happy TV, U Tubers, have entertained us for decades and tickle the practical jokery which is part of most of us. I am not a fan of falling over jokes (too close to reality), or shock jokes, mind that heart attack…

Over recent years how many times have we said “you couldn’t make it up” – through covid shutdowns, Post Office or water scandals, political sharp practice, and royal impropriety; international politicians breaking conventions, laws, decency and promises with alacrity and without apology? You couldn’t make it up.

Our clickbait, media-obsessed, popularity-focused world seems to delight in creating outrage and therefore “clicks” and advertising.

Does anyone reading this ever take any notice of the adverts, especially “celebrity-endorsed” nonsense? I apologise and recognise that I am a fully paid-up grumpy old man who, like so many, is perplexed by the world’s plenty and lack, opportunity and ceiling.

Good Friday comes later this week – a day when the cross is remembered – seen by many as “foolish”, but God’s “foolishness” brought love, forgiveness and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus was killed by a society who refused his message of love and unearned forgiveness, but God had other ideas and resurrection! The result today is Christian “fools” grounded in love who have peace that passes human understanding and who enjoy mutual care and friendship.

Finally, I wonder if someone will recycle the 1698 ruse at the Tower of London of “washing of the lions” which brought huge crowds to incredulous Beefeaters!

Paul Benney

Superintendent Minister, St Austell Methodist Circuit