Sunday May 16

Written by Jack van Ommen on May 16th, 2010

It is Sunday and, you guessed it, I must report that I went to 10.30 a.m. mass. This blog is to keep you posted on the sailing adventure but once in a while I will abuse my privilege to share with you what I believe in and what is the source of my joy. This one hour is the best part of the week and I would not miss it for anything. I need it because I am not a saint.  It has never ever cramped my lifestyle, on the contrary. But few Dutchmen agree with me any longer. I remember when I grew up a  loose blind horse could not do any damage on a Sunday morning in Holland because everyone was in church. The priest today preached to the choir and a church filled to about 25% capacity. Last Sunday´s collection netted 584 Euros and 124 Euros on Ascension Day. But the sermon and the choir were outstanding, as always. It is fashionable to criticise religion here in Holland. “Parool“ , a popular daily newspaper interviewed Theodor Holman an author and a columnist for the same newspaper. I quote: “ Yes, that is what I have said. I still consider every Christian Dog a criminal. I still think so. I despise every form of religion. The people who profess a religion are inferior people. I look down on them. He who believes in fairy tales cannot be taken seriously“. 

In all fairness this pronouncement probably manages to shock even the most irreverent Dutch but 25 years ago this news paper would have lost half of its subscribers with this kind of statement.  What a contrast to today´s gospel, John 17 where Jesus prays to his Father for the world and the disciples before his Ascension.

4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Now, if Theodor Holman, or any one else, can explain or give me a date what Jesus refers to as “before the world began“ and explain where eternity ends then I´d consider changing my fairy tale life in the meantime I am a believer.

The cold spell has been broken. Yesterday was a beautiful Spring day. Today was cooler. Tomorrow `Fleetwood`goes on the hard. I have been working hard on maintenance and getting ready for a quick anti fouling job. The club has a great work shop. I used the band saw and drill press to replace 4 of my locker covers that were supplied with interior glue that have come apart. About 30 club members enjoyed a great barbecue this evening. It reminded me of the outstanding South African yacht club “Braais“ in 2006-2007.

Cor and Theo grilling at the ``Schinkel``

 

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