Role Models

Introduction

Role models have the ability to influence lives, values and lifestyles. They set good examples and are looked up to and admired by others. They inspire others, who in turn want to be like them. Role models are not necessarily people who are famous, even though many young people choose this type of glamorous role model or have such people thrust upon them by the media. Good role models are people who have the inner capacity to reflect and evaluate their lives and interactions with others. Role models seek to grow and evolve throughout their lifetime. They have the capacity to connect with others and the Divine within and beyond themselves. They are not infallible, but they often have a clear sense of purpose, meaning and values in their lives.

Jesus as role model

For Christians the ultimate role model is Jesus Christ. Jesus has had enormous influence on the lives, values and lifestyles of Christians and others who have lived, or live in countries that embraced The Old Law and New Law/ Law of the Gospel and reflected these beliefs and values in their laws and codes of behaviour. Jesus has clearly demonstrated to others the importance of the inner spiritual life and connection with God, acting for justice and peace, authenticity and moral integrity.

Saints

Early in Church history, the word saint was defined as one who had died and was in heaven with the Lord, one who could intercede and respond to the needs of people and the church and finally one who was merited with public honour and cultic recognition by the church. Saints are role models for many, in that they follow the example of Jesus Christ who lived a life of faithfulness to God even until death. Within their lives, inherent values of the tradition are exemplified. In every age, saints exhibited ways of living out the gospel in decadent and confusing times. Frequently saints were martyred for the beliefs and actions. Saints are able to transform the abstract into real life experience. They are able to contextualise the truth of the Gospel within their life and time.