Having based sermons on readings from the Beatles and from Monty Python, I consider myself open to the insights of the sacred texts of British popular culture. But for the past couple of years, I have not found myself inspired by the Brits.
Until Carol discovered The Mighty Boosh. And lo, unto us has The Mighty Boosh spoken words power and righteousness on the nature of happiness. I’m not sure when exactly I’ll use this reading in a worship service, but it will be sometime in the next year….
Scene: the Zoo.
(Howard Moon and Vince Noir, in green zookeeper’s uniforms, carry a bucket of animal feed to some small cages. Vince wears a poncho over his uniform.)
Vince: C’mon, Howard, put some energy into it. Get involved.
Howard: I’m carryin a bucket of seed. How am I supposed to get involved in that?
Vince: This is the best job in the zoo — millet distribution!
(Vince opens door of small cage, chucks a scoop of seed in. Sound of small animal squeaking in delight.)
Howard: Somethin wrong with you, you know, don’t you.
Vince: What d’you mean?
Howard: You’re always happy aren’t you? Everythin’s fun for you.
(Vince sighs.)
Howard: You see a peanut — the day’s off to a good start. You witness some soil — it’s a jamboree for Vince Noir. I need something more.
Vince: I think it’s this poncho.
(He swirls around so poncho flares out.)
Vince: I mean, it’s impossible to be unhappy in a poncho!
And there it is, the answer to one of humanity’s age-old questions: how to find true happiness.
But lo, the mighty shaman Naboo tells us there is another answer….
(The kitten on the left is Phillip.)
Barrat, Julian, and Noel Fielding. “The Mighty Boosh.” London: BBC, 2004. Season 1, episode 6.