Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they call Him Master. Had no degree, yet they call Him teacher. Had no medicines, yet they call Him Healer. He had no army, yet Kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Former Dangerous Drugs Board DBB Undersecretary Paul Clarence Dominal, wrote a letter requesting Mayor Michael Rama during the occasion of the city's Charter Day, to exhort DepEd that elementary and secondary teachers give emphasis on the teaching of the heroism, lives, and heroic deeds of Filipino heroes worthy of emulation by the youth of today.
This is a good initiative of Undersecretary Dominal to give importance and honor to our great Filipino heroes whose good deeds are worthy of emulation and inspiration to the youth especially in these times of diversity and peace threatening situations of the country. The ideals of our heroes seem to have been forgotten and taken for granted. If we tell them about heroism we only hear criticisms and remarks like," Di na ron panahon ni Kristo. Panahon na ron nga mag-alisto."
Speaking of Christ, the initiative of former Undersecretary Dominal has made me ponder on what Christ has done for us – not only to the Filipino people but to the whole mankind. Especially now, the season of Lent. Christ suffered and died to save sinners.
Has DepEd also given emphasis on the teachings and life of Christ while on earth because He was also born as man? The heroism that He has done by accepting suffering and the most humiliating, most degrading, most embarrassing, and lowest form of death- death on the cross? Have teachers integrated in all subjects the crowning glory of Christ's sufferings and death- His Resurrection which gave meaning of His passion?
Are catechism and religion classes in Catholic schools, lasting about an hour a week, enough to instill in the minds of the young the greatness this Man in history has done? The life story of Jesus from the womb to the cross, to the tomb, to the crown is worth retelling. Tell the world of His love, this greatest love the world must understand. We don't need to create another subject for this. The values Jesus had lived can be caught- through witnessing!
In these times of inner crisis in our youth: high suicide rate, incest, drug related crimes and other works of the devil, the world needs witnessing. If we study the lives and spread the good deeds of our heroes, it's high time we also need to instill in the minds of our youth the greatness and deeds of Christ, His passion and death, His unequalled love for us up to the dimension of the cross.
My challenge to all teachers and parents that it is only through witnessing and living a life in accordance to the gospel that we can share Christ's value-laden life. It is easier to teach the lives and heroic deeds of Filipino heroes. There are many sources and books where students can read and refer. The teachings and life of Christ can be read from one source, the greatest book- The Holy Bible. This reference material must be present in all homes and classrooms. It has no period, no season. It is a book of all seasons.
Who is the greatest world hero of our salvation? Tell His story — JESUS OF NAZARETH!