Almost Famous: Aim for Humility This Lent

The battle to be America's next idol is being waged in millions of living rooms across the country. This season dishes up the usual mix of the good, the bad and the ugly, and Americans are devouring it; the premiere landed record ratings.

Meanwhile, others are vying to be the Next Top Model and the next Top Chef, to be the Survivor and the Apprentice and even the Biggest Loser.

The common denominator: They are all vying to be famous.

The definition of fame, according to dictionary.com, is "widespread reputation, especially of a favorable character; renown; public eminence: to seek fame as an opera singer."

How quaint. These days, having a favorable character has little to do with being famous. Being infamous is just as good — if not better. Just look at Martha Stewart and Kobe Bryant, whose alleged crimes seem to have bolstered their careers.

In researching for his new book Fame Junkies, Jake Halpern surveyed 650 teens. He learned that teens would rather be famous than smart. Given the chance to dine with a star of choice, Jennifer Lopez outscored Jesus.

Naturally, that finding troubles me as vocations director for my religious order, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. And it troubles me as a Christian. I wonder how many people aspiring for fame realize that it can erode health, friendships and faith.

Sylvester Stylone, who has starred in six Rocky movies and been in three marriages, acknowledged the dangerous draw of fame in a recent interview with the Catholic News Service. The weight of celebrity was "very heavy," he said. "I was extremely seduced by the newfound freedom."

Now Stylone is returning to the Catholic Church he was reared in, finding "guidance" and "wisdom."

Our celebrity obsession culminates — ironically — four days after Ash Wednesday with the Academy Awards. The winners and losers and their fashion do's and don'ts are hashed out on TV and online for days.

The display of unadulterated extravagance reminds me that, more than ever, we need Lent. Our souls benefit from fasting and service and prayer, from bowing in humility and chiseling away at faults.

And we've got the perfect Lenten model: Mary. She was crowned with the ultimate honor, far greater than American Idol or Best Actress; she was chosen to be the mother of God.

And when she learned this news, she deflected all the glory to her maker: "For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness. The Mighty One has…dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart."

This Lent, try to resist arrogance of mind and heart. Put blinders on the celebrity culture that misleads. Turn off the TV. Light a candle. Say a prayer. Journal. And contemplate ways you can be a better handmaid of the Lord.

This can start with small steps: holding the door for someone carrying groceries; letting a driver into your lane; celebrating someone else's success. The idea is to shift from the self worship paraded on the red carpet to the self sacrifice modeled by Mary.

Don't be surprised if it doesn't come naturally; we're living in a selfish culture. But you also can expect profound rewards. When you let go of ego, you are free to grasp heaps of joy.

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