April 20

It looks like Easter will be on a Sunday this year…a sea day. This will mark the 83rd consecutive year that I’ve missed sunrise services. Karla plans to attend both the Catholic and Protestant services so we’ll average one service each. At home, we might have celebrated with the Easter Aardvark bringing healthy fruits and vegetables to kids…..not candy and chocolate eggs. As it happens, aardvarks are not welcome on board; Karla purchased a box of 22 Cadbury chocolate eggs for crew members. Viking also held an Easter Brunch that was over the top– again. Photos below are courtesy of Ted Brooks.

For me, the most interesting part of Easter has been the battle aboard ship between Catholics and Protestants. Do-gooders like Karla…and Karla, in particular.., tried to arrange a joint service and invite crew members as well. The Catholics were firmly against it. Even an agreement to have separate communions failed to rescue the idea.

When I’m confused, I, of course look to biblical lessons:

   -welcome the strangers;

   -be kind and respectful to others;

   -it’s easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

The monied Catholics on board may have missed those messages, but with communion, should be forgiven. I’m reminded that Hitler was raised Catholic and Mussolini insisted that Catholicism be taught in schools and that a crucifix be placed in front of each school classroom. There’s something to be said about strong, uncompromising leadership…but, I’m not sure what it is.

Happy Easter to everyone….humans and aardvarks.

Postscript: both the Catholic and Protestant services went off without a hitch, and more importantly, to positive acclaim, with many (50-75 in attendance at each service).