Random thoughts on Rizal
by gloria ong
the man's monument in every town plaza...
how ubiquitous can it be?
and to think Jose P Rizal had a relatively short trajectory, dying at 35,
which proves one doesn't have to live long
to come up with a legacy, make a lasting impression.
one jolts, electrifies the national consciousness
and that was what Rizal did.
it was no mean feat...try saying and meaning: "i have always
loved my country, and i am sure i will love her to the last
moment, my future, my life, my joys--all i have sacrificed for my love for her."
but Rizal...he talked the walk and he did walk the talk,
leading him to his martyrdom.
in this milieu, we seem to be in search of heroes. on tv we
watch american idols, amazing races and challenges, and
coming upon someone who seems shaped from a different
moral mold, get fascinated by whomever makes a dent on
our social consciousness. ironic tho that we are told when
a nation starts looking for heroes and heroines, then it must be
a time of clear and present danger, or words to that effect.
but no matter.
Rizal's time was such an era when "his ideals and patriotic fervor had
undeniably lifted up the hearts of his generation to do the same act
of sacrifice for the cause of freedom and nationhood." remember how
Rizal wrote in el filibusterismo, 'walang halaga ang buhay na hindi iniukol
sa isang balak na dakila?' (a life not dedicated to a noble purpose is of
no value.) let's try to rekindle the same faith Rizal had in the Filipino,
those same selfless vision, courage and ultimately, sacrifice, that Rizal
and all our other heroes left us with.---g