This Easter season (Easter Day and the forty-nine days following) we’re planning on a study on James Martin’s book: Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life. The extended title points to the crux of Martin’s argument. I found the book fascinating, in part because of what many of the great Christian minds have said about the importance of humor, laughter, and joy. Today’s voice of the day comes from one of those great minds:

“Humor is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer.”

— Reinhold Niebuhr

Hat Tip: James Martin