A Nation of Heroes

Every country honors and remembers specific individuals who selflessly give their lives for its people. These heroes – models who embody virtues – like courage, fortitude, perseverance, and hard work like our very own who have been immortalized in the consciousness of the young and the old. We see their statues even in the far-flung town plazas and other public places. Their stories have been told in the educational institutions. Moreover, major and minor thoroughfares have been named after them.

They are no different from our saints, who also have lived lives of heroic virtues. Their burial places are visited by the faithful. Their images are not only found in the churches but also in the homes of the faithful. Their relics are venerated, and some of them, have incorruptible bodies telling the world that they were real persons who walked and celebrated their lives full of faith and love for the Lord and His people. Their lives and accomplishments are also readily available in books and social media.

Nevertheless, majority of heroes are found in our very homes, for example, parents who work hard to give their children a better future. They too raise their children with love and perseverance. Professional men and women, though unrecognized, fulfill and do their work well on a daily basis. It is said, that saints disappear in their mission. After all, the greatness of a nation is measured by the people who plant trees whose shade they will never enjoy in their lifetime.

With the help of God’s grace, we will be able to shed the comfort of our domesticity, and embark on an adventure of selflessness, for after all, we are a nation of heroes. Let us celebrate life with gratefulness for the past and present generations, who may not have reached the hall of fame.

Finally, our Blessed Mother, in her lowliness, together with St. Joseph, silently nurtured their son, who eventually gave His life for the many.