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A decade and a century ago, in the grounds of Luneta Manila, Spanish authorities shot a man. The death of this great man changed the course of Philippine history. We come to know this man today as our National Hero, Jose Rizal. We are always asked to remember the death anniversary of the greatest person that the malayan race has ever produced. What was Jose Rizal's greatest legacy? Why was he chosen to become our national hero ? For most people they believe that Jose Rizal was rightly chosen to become a national hero because he influenced most of our revolutionary leaders through his writings and example although other people believe that he should only be declared a hero not "The national hero." Most people believed that Rizal's greatest legacy is his love for his country as embodied in his writings and the actions that he took. I remember taking up a "Rizal" course in college, which was a requirement in order for us to graduate in college. I was so fascinated by the story of Jose Rizal that I read Zaide's book on Rizal in just one day. You can actually say that Jose Rizal is one of my "Role models." When I was in Manila, I made it a point to visit the actual ground where Rizal was shot. Contrary to what most people believe, Rizal was not shot in the spot where his shrine in Luneta stands right now. On the contrary, Rizal was shot several meters away from that spot. When you enter the area you can see a sign that says that such place is "hollowed ground" and it truly is for me. After the bar exams when we went to Enchanted kingdom in Laguna, I never missed the opportunity to visit Rizal's home in Calamba Laguna considering that we are already nearby. Now I am hoping that one day I could visit his place of exile in Dapitan. Having watched so much Rizal movies, reading so much on his life and being to the places where he has been, I cannot help but ask myself, how could a man who lived only 34 years have so much impact not only in our nation but around the world ? It is my personal belief that Jose Rizal's greatest legacy is a life that is full of meaning and purpose. Even if he lived for only 34 years, he accomplished so much because he had a vision in his mind and a mission in his heart. The strength and intensity of such mission and vision translated into action. That is why he did not waste any time in trivial matters. Rather he devoted all of his time to live out his mission and accomplish his vision. The proper question that each and everyone of us should be asking is, Will our lives truly matter? Can we honestly say to ourselves that we have lived a life of purpose and meaning ? If we fail to answer this question positively, then would to God that he would grant us a personal vision and mission for our lives so that we might not waste our time on trivial things. If we do this, we might be able to live the kind of life that Jose Rizal did, leaving a legacy for other to follow. Just like Jose Rizal, leaving a legacy is I believe, my "higher calling."
Article Source: Main Articles
Zigfred Diaz strives to live a meaningful and purposeful life by God's grace. He may not regularly blog about Jose Rizal but he writes several helpful articles. Check out his blog today.
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