We live in an age that some call the Age of the Super Star. They are persons whose admirers are calculated in mega numbers, whose fame is known by everyone, every where. Super Stars emerge out of many facets of life, from the political to sports, entertainment, even religion.
When Super Stars appear in public and great crowds gather, people want to get as close to them as possible, reaching out in the faint hope of touching them. Even the pope receives a similar kind of admiration. Think of the scene when the pope arrives to greet the people in St. Peter Square, riding among the vast crowd in the "pope mobile", hands reaching out in hopes of being touched and blessed. Now Pope Francis would hardly think of himself as a Super Star, rather as an unworthy servant fulfilling a most sacred office.
As wonderful as it is to be among the vast crowd of admirers, how much more comforting it would be if you were call to share a place at his side; to be known personally, called by your first name, to feel that you are somehow special.
These thoughts arose as I was reflecting on the readings from the book of Revelation which lead up to the feast of Christ the King. We see the throne of Christ and the vast assembly of the faithful gathered before the Lord, praising and glorifying his holy name. But is this heaven, simply being one of a vast crowd?
Truly, to be numbered among the saints is to be in heaven, but there is more. As many as they are, each person in heaven will be known in a personal and intimate way. Each person will know they are loved as if they were the only person in heaven. How this will be of course is a mystery.
As you gather with others to celebrate this great feast of Christ the King, don't think of yourself as one of many in the vast congregation praising His name, rather feel His hand reach down, lifting you up to be at His side.
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