I have to confess, I am not into sports. Not a single one. However, one aspect of the olympic games resonates with me: the similarities.

In ancient Greek as today, the games remind us how much any one nation is alike any other. Yes more so ever individual champion: we strive to be acknowledged as worthy. Worthy of a medal, a name, our existence validated.

In this way the olympic idea functions as a bridge between nations. Here even enemies can partake in non-hostile competition.

It is quite likely that later this year the Iranian football equipe will travel to the United States for the soccer/football championship, while the fight around the Strait of Hormuz continues. That is mind-blowing.

We call the other an enemy, and think the world would be better of without them. But we forget the fact, that it was not us, who created them, who called them into life.

The Creator of the Universe gives life. Only in calling on Them we receive our name and acknowledgement and worth. With that secured, by the death and resurrection of our redeemer Jesus of Nazareth, we are free to utilise all our strength and talent to build bridges, to those around us, who don’t know him yet.