When I was four years old, my mom sewed my two-year-old brother and me each a circular crown from metallic gold fabric.
We loved wearing them and on one occasion, they made their way with us to a doctor visit. In the waiting room, a woman looked very surprised to see us. “Are they royalty?” she asked my mother who responded without missing a beat: “Of course they are.”
Years later, I visited an exhibit that had the tiara that Audrey Hepburn wore in Roman Holiday on display.
It is such a delicate, lovely piece and just exquisite paired with my favorite leading lady of all time. Set in her perfectly coiffed updo, that tiara must have made Audrey feel perfectly poised, dainty and royal.
During a penance service, I saw another amazing crown.
I HATED to look at that crown, yet I could not look away. It was a replica of the Crown of Thorns. It was such a difficult task viewing it and knowing that those long, sharp thorns looked just like the ones that pierced Jesus’ forehead for hours as He suffered and died to redeem me. The image is etched forever in my mind making meditation of the Sorrowful Mysteries more comprehensible. But while the crown was meant to demean Him, to Christians everywhere the crown awes us because of its story of true love and sacrifice.
Crowns are a visible reminder of worth as they rank the person wearing them.
They are things of beauty, power and prestige and give us a sense of wonder. We just know if you wear a crown, you’re important.
So are you royalty? Of course you are!
When you were Baptized, you became an heir to the throne of God, through Christ.
He adopted you to share in the glories of His kingdom. Because you are part of the Heavenly court, you have been given the Crown of Everlasting Life. When you have fulfilled your earthly duties, you will be presented your Crown of Glory!
Remember how you feel when seeing a crown. Think of the special admiration that seeing it invokes. Remember to hold your head high so others can see the crown you wear. You are a light in the dark world because the glorious crown you wear shines forth the Light of the One Eternal Father.
