When Ludwig Nobel died in 1888, a
French newspaper mistakenly published Alfred Nobel’s obituary. Reading his own
obituary Alfred was disgusted to find out his public image. The newspaper
condemned him for inventing dynamite, giving him the infamous nickname Le marchand de la mort est mort (The
merchant of death is dead) and went on to say “Dr. Alfred Nobel who became rich
by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before died yesterday”.
To Alfred, this obituary was a
warning. He spent his lifetime alone inventing things and was deeply disturbed
and concerned with how he would be remembered. This unfortunate event inspired
him to make alterations in his will, to improve his public image, and to be
remembered for a good cause. In 1895, one year before his death, he composed
the last will which specified that his fortune be used to create a series for
prizes for those who confer the greatest benefit on making in physics,
chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. He bequeathed 94% of
his total asserts or US$186 million to establish the five Nobel Prizes.
Today, the Nobel Prize is
considered as one of the most recognizable and prestigious awards possible,
honoring men and women from all over the world for outstanding achievements in
different fields. Now, the world has forgotten his dynamite legacy.
Such is the story of Alfred
Nobel. But how about us? What is the legacy we want to leave behind after we live
here on earth? How do we want people remember us when we are no longer here? Many
of us if not all want to leave a mark on this world. We want people to know that
our life matters; they are important in the history. We want to show the world
that we have contributed something for the benefit of the present and future
generations.
Our Gospel, Matthew 1: 1-17,
speaks of two types of legacy –family legacy and spiritual legacy. What a
family legacy that is to belong to the house of Abraham and to the house of
David. What a spiritual legacy that is to be chosen by God as instrument of His
salvation. Family legacy and spiritual legacy are equally important if not more
important than social legacy. Social legacy focuses more on what one can do for
the society in order for the said society to remember him/her. Superior to
social legacy, family and spiritual legacies are there not just for the sake of
remembrance but to pass on a set of beliefs and values. Young generations see
God the way their ancestors saw God. Moreover, with family and spiritual
legacies, children also see God the way they see their parents. If their
parents are loving, children will think of God that way –that God loves them
above all else.
Today, I encourage everyone to
pass along a family legacy and spiritual legacy. We pass a family legacy and
spiritual legacy which are more than encouraging young generations to attend
mass. This means we make spiritual activities a routine part of family life. Just
like when we celebrate Simbang Gabi, how good it is to go to church as a
family. Make Simbang Gabi a family legacy and spiritual legacy –to make this
practice live on after we are gone. My dear friends, we only live our best life
by creating a legacy that God can be proud of. Amen.
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