Heroes

You need good habits to become a hero.

In my holocaust class last semester we examined the profiles of people who rescued victims (Jews, Christians, anti-fascists, gypsies, etc.) during WWII. We found that not a single religion, political group or nationality holds claim to having more heroes or being more or less moral than another. In every community there was both the good and the bad.

So what characteristics did these heroes have?
1. “The power to care” – individuals were brought up to believe in helping other people. They saw victims simply as human beings.
2. “Habit of righteousness” – individuals were educated with moral sensibilities and brought up with the habit of giving.
3. No egotism– individuals would think of others before themselves.

The heroes of the day often were people who had good thoughts and habits concerning morality. They practiced their goodness on a daily basis and considered the needs of others.

This evidence shows that we should practice giving at every moment and every opportunity. Every act of Love counts, such as holding a door, giving to charity, offering a smile or a helping hand, listening. So when the time comes that we find someone truly in need, we can be heroes. We can be saints.

-kevin