Be that man

Today, December 30, 2016, is the 120th year since the death of a well-known hero. It's an anniversary of that time when the hero took his last confession at 3 a.m. and had his breakfast at 5:30 a.m., knowing that it would be his last. On this same day, the person who fought with words and wisdom for his suppressed countrymen took his last steps and last breath at Bagumbayan. And on this same day, he articulated "Consummatum est (It is finished)." He may be finished but his legacy shouldn't end for he does not deserve to be forgotten but honored. On this same day, we pay tribute to Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda.

Jose Rizal. Once his name is mentioned, people would normally think of the words "hero," "intelligent," "fearless," and "patriot," among others. Those are common words that have been overused to describe our beloved hero and repeatedly answered by students in class. It is not a bad thing to use these words to picture Jose Rizal but it would be a bad thing if there is a lack of acknowledgement, realization, and understanding to what these terms really mean.

Youngsters and students bellyache on why they have to know this icon even more when he's been long gone and has not contributed anymore to this country. They hear the lecture but not listen. They remember the name but not the story. They remember the holidays but not the reason. They know the title of the two famous books but not much to the contents that brought the Spaniards in agitation. They'd remember the lines "Crispin, Basilio" but not the moral lesson it brings. They'd wear Maria Clara but do not apply the true "dalagang Pilipina" attributes to themselves. These are the lapses and disappointments people, nowadays, are doing because they forgot the past that changed the future.

If the writings and works of Rizal are still existent even if the creator's long gone, it wouldn't also be very hard and late for the people, especially the youth, to wake up and continue that Rizalian chivalry and patriotism. It is easier said than done but there should be a beginning, a spirit and a highly intellectual and rational being to get this done. This can be the president, the OFW, and even the three-year-old kid who sells sampaguita. This can be you. This position of bringing back the Rizalian spirit and legacy is an unlimited, free, and an always available offer. If it's too heavy for you to start an organization, then begin it with yourself.

Be that man who opens up his ideas to the class even if it is very contradictory to his teacher's opinion. Be that man who doesn't go through fights when mad but the man who sits in his chair, grabs his pen, and casts it all out on paper. Be that man who believes in doing the things you have ever wanted to be since you were young. Be that man who studies well not only to bring good title to his school but someone who is ready to compete in international contests and make his country proud. Be that man who is curious, eager, and passionate. Be the Rizal in your own way. Shelley N. Lee