Modelling

 

We should never lose sight of the importance of  Role models.  

They show us how to be, what to believe, what has value, 

how to act, how to speak, what kind of attitudes to have; 

in reality they are downloading themselves into us. 

A child does normally not know this of course, but 

whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not, 

this is what happens.  

The first role models we had was our parents. 

Then comes grandparents, the extended family, teachers, 

friends, and famous people. 

Think about it: we become new versions of our parents or 

whoever brought us up. 

This is why Mary is so important to us Catholics, she is not only 

the Mother of Jesus; the Mother of God, but our Mother too, and 

she is our Role Model, who shows us how to get to Jesus.  

We must be close to her, in order to be influenced and guided 

by her. 

Then there is national culture:

Ireland is strongly associated with drinking in pubs,

in a lighthearted and jovial atmosphere of social interaction 

and networking.

France is world famous for haute cuisine, food is a big part 

of french culture.

And in the same way as all social interactions takes place around 

a drink in Ireland, in France they all take place around food. 

The French drink wine too, but it is rather for it's taste than for it's 

alcoholic effect, so they drink a glass, or maybe two, but that is 

normally it. (there are exceptions!)

The result from these two examples of culture is excess. 

People end up drinking and eating much more than they 

ought to and need to, which both brings serious problems.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

( Ephesians 5:18)

 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 

walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

(1 Peter 5:8)

 

 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

 (Philippians 4:5)

 

Excess of all kinds signals a lack of internal stability:

 

Overreacting,

Being pulled into and trapped into Feelings and Ideas, 

Obsessions of all kinds, even "good ones" like Sport, 

and even Religion, which then risks turning believers 

into fanatics.

What we are asked to do is not complicated:

 

Pray, trust; surrender everything to God; who knows what we need,

live a sober life, a balanced life of work and rest, be aware at all times,

trust in God, and be vigilant with men. 

 

This spiritual program is not complicated, but it has been proven to be 

difficult. 

 

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road 

that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate 

and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

 

(Matthew 7, 13-14)