Seeking our role-models

by Editor · March 17, 2010

The human individual is always open to identifying new sources of inspiration. We seek role-models whose lives exhibit good examples in areas in which we would like to improve ourselves, or whose guidance leads us to better understand the world, and respond to it accordingly.

For Christians, the ultimate role model obviously is Jesus Christ. The fashion fad of some years ago when many young Christians wore wristbands with the letters WWJD � standing for �What would Jesus do?� � was a timely reminder that his example and guidance lead to the positive paths in life, even if that requires sacrifices.

While Jesus was certainly human, we humans are not also divine. So while it is most commendable to strive towards an imitation of Christ, we are also aware that we are too fragile to accomplish that aspiration perfectly. With that awareness, we look towards others who are as human as we are, and derive inspiration from those areas in life where they excel. In that way, Tiger Woods can still be a role model to golfers as an exemplary sportsman, but not as a family man.

Catholics have a wonderful repository of appropriate role models in the College of Saints. Pope John Paul II was particularly attentive to the potential influence the saints can provide, and expanded the numbers of saints substantially.

While many of the 1823 saints and beati Pope John Paul created have scant relevance to the lives of lay faithful � especially many of those who are venerated only in their religious orders � he was mindful of raising others whose life examples might help inspire Catholics to come closer to God.

And there are many Catholics who have not yet been beatified or canonised, but are being acclaimed as saints by those whom they inspire. Pope John Paul is one of them. The American social activist Dorothy Day is another. And on March 24 we will observe the 30th anniversary of the murder of a man who is known in his country as San Romero, even without the benefit of formal canonisation.

To many Catholics it is puzzling why Archbishop Oscar Romero has not yet been elevated to the altar of saints. If one recognises Archbishop Romero as a martyr � one who was killed because his actions were in the service of Christ and his faith � then there is no need to wait even for the statutory miracles.

It may well be that Archbishop Romero�s cause has stalled for the past 13 years because its progress would give succour to the adherents of liberation theology, which Pope Benedict strongly disapproves of. When he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the pope hinted that this, and not the persona of Archbishop Romero, was a reason.

But surely sanctity is measured on its own merits, not by who will take satisfaction from it. If there are grave reasons why Archbishop Romero cannot be beatified, then these should be made public to forestall any confusion.

There is nothing to suggest, of course, that Archbishop Romero was in any way unworthy. Indeed, worldwide devotion to the archbishop remains resolute even three decades after his death. His Christian witness � his love for the people, his leonine courage in standing for justice, his humility in abandoning defective convictions, his willingness to sacrifice even his life for the truth � continues to inspire Catholics, other Christians, and even non-believers.

Oscar Romero truly is a role-model for our times.