Reading I: Acts 13:14, 43-52
Reading II: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
GOSPEL: John 10:27-30
In Search of a Role Model
All of the readings today have a common theme that should be comforting for Christians. In today’s sound-bite culture, where every problem needs to be solved within the timeframe of a half-hour episode, it’s not easy to truly follow Jesus. And though the consequences of preaching the Good News are not as dire as being thrown in with hungry lions, they can be uncomfortable nonetheless.
Today’s readings, in a nutshell, say that we shouldn’t worry. God loves us and will protect us when we suffer in his name. The difficulty is figuring out what to do and how to live our lives. How can we be sure that what we’re doing “in His name” is actually what God wants us to do?
It’s Not Simple
I hear many people proclaim they’re Christians and yet I don’t see it in their actions. How can you be Christian if you don’t model your behavior after the most basic teachings of Christ? Unfortunately, it seems to be an extremely common thing among both politicians and voters.
Here’s a typical one: “I’m pro-life.” Yes, they’re against abortion… but then they promote use of the death penalty, support corrupt regimes, turn a blind eye to horrible human rights violations, gut social welfare programs countless people need, and the list goes on and on. How is that pro-life? How is that Christian?
The fact is that “Christian” is not a political party. No matter what anyone says, it’s just not that simple. There are so many different ways to define “Christian” that you’d never be able to create a unified party bearing that name! Need proof? Look at not only the countless denominations of Christians, also look at all the different factions within the Catholic Church itself.
I think this means at least three things. First, we need to stop worrying about labels. Second, we need to find better role models. And third, we should become the role model we need!
Label and Dismiss
The human brain is wonderful at categorization. It’s how we make sense of our world and it helps us understand things more quickly. This natural tendency is very helpful when it comes to school, our professions, and simply sorting through all the data that bombards us daily.
This need for categorization has a dark side too because it allows us to conveniently block out anything we find challenging. We start by creating a category we consider “bad” and then attach a label to it. Next, when we encounter someone who disagrees with us, we simply slap that label on them, which automatically makes them “bad.” And if they’re bad, then we shouldn’t listen to them. We can quickly label them and dismiss them. (Doesn’t that sound a lot like our politics these days?)
Who to Follow
I often hear “so-and-so is my role model,” yet I don’t see it in the claimant’s actions. How can someone be your role model if you don’t model your behavior after his or hers? Perhaps we should decide role models in reverse. Examine our actions and then decide whom we’re acting like. That way, if I act like Homer Simpson, then I can’t claim that James Bond is my role model.
There is no perfect Christian because we are human beings and none of us is perfect, so perfection isn’t a criteria for a role model. What we need to do is find people who truly seem to reflect the love that Jesus told us to share, rather than the people who proclaim their Christianity the loudest. Some of the quietest, most humble people you meet can be far better role models than the most charismatic preacher on YouTube!
Become a Role Model
The Gospel today should give hope to those of us who have trouble finding good Christian role models. It’s very difficult to live the way Jesus told us to live. But if we’re true disciples, then we should pay attention when Jesus tells us, “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.”
Christ is calling us, so we need to listen to what he is saying and then we have to follow – in word and deed. Jesus hasn’t left us on our own. His Spirit is active in the world today and will help us discern which way to go. And even when we struggle to find the way, we must remember that Jesus said, “No one can take them out of my hand.” No one.
Many other Christians are out there looking for a better role model, so living Jesus’ commands might also give them the model of living they need. But it starts with hearing his voice and following him, even when it’s unpopular to do so. At least we won’t be literally thrown to the lions!
Life Applications:
How do you use labels to define others?
Who do you consider a good role model? Why?
What can you do to be a better Christian role model?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 4th Sunday of Easter (Cycle C):
Original article by Brandon Jubar, 2022.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.