The consequences of popularity

The two readings for today, the first about the jealousy of Saul towards David and his intention to kill him (1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7) and the gospel account of how great crowds of people came looking for Jesus (Mark 3:7-12), speak about the consequences of popularity. In the reading from 1 Samuel we hear of the women rushing out to greet King Saul and David upon their return from the battlefield. The women sang, “Saul has killed his thousands and David his tens of thousands.” Saul’s jealousy towards David, because he was given greater praise, rose to such a pitch that Saul would eventually tell his son Jonathan that he intended to kill David. Saul’s earlier popularity upon becoming king was such that he always expected people would hold him in higher regard than others. So popularity can arouse unreal expectations and lead one to anger or depression when fans are no longer as supportive or in awe as they were in the past. Jesus, on the other hand, never sought popularity. He often withdrew from the crowd to be alone with his loving Abba and his disciples. In this text we hear of how popular he became, even to extent that the crowds were crushing him. Other people love that, especially those who need the adulation of others to overcome their own lack of self-esteem. But not Jesus. Still, he did try to make himself as available as he could. This raised another problem because of the reaction of the demons from which people were freed. They knew who he really was, far more so than the people themselves. But still, Jesus preferred that they keep silent. This is so unlike modern-day celebrities who constantly seek publicity. I suppose the lesson is to humbly admit who we are and to be happy with who we are. Popularity is ever so fleeting. When people acknowledge the good we do, I think it is important to be gracious and grateful for their appreciation and applause. But after that, when others are also praised, join with those who sing their praises, and when you are no longer recognised feel at peace with yourself and with others for the good that you continue to do without constant need of praise. After all, God sees what you do and that should be more than sufficient praise.