A Spiritual Talk

THEME: “Walking in the Legion Wonderland towards Holiness”

Spiritual Talk by Fr. Jose Conrado A. Estafia

It is my joy to be a part of this Legion Congress.  Your theme “Walking in the Legion Wonderland towards Holiness” reminds me of a Christmas song that goes this way:
 

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in the Legion Wonderland

We will try to reflect on this phrase.  As I understand being a Legionary is not a walk in the park.  A Legionary is a soldier of Mary.  Am I right?  A wonderland is like Disneyland or Star City.  In it we find Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Cinderella, those roller coaster rides, and more.  It is a world of fantasy and fairytale.  The Legion is not like that.  Since you are soldiers, you are in for a battle.  So your walk as Legionaries is not a walk in the wonderland, but a walk in the battlefield.This battle is a “spiritual warfare,” as St. Paul calls it.  As Legionaries, you are many; and I hope many young men and women will enlist in the Legion and be part of the battle.  But a word of precaution: never underestimate your enemy.  Don’t forget that in the Gospel, the name given to the devil is “legion”, meaning many devils (Mk. 5:9; Lk.8:30).  And they are not just many but are exceedingly fierce (Mt. 8:28-34).  Hence, the Legion is not a walk in the wonderland.  It is a walk in a battlefield.  Mary’s Legion is fighting against Satan’s legion.

Now how will you win this battle?  Since this is spiritual, what will be your weapon as legionaries?The answer is found in your theme: holiness.  In winning over the devil our weapon should come from God, not from ourselves.  Holiness comes from God.  It is a holiness that is not just “towards” but “actual.”  Certainly it is the goal of every Christian.  We can only defeat our enemy, the devil, if we live a holy life.  How can we be holy?  Remember that holiness is not achieved through our human effort.  We don’t merit it.  It is a gift.  But our Lord has given us the means to it.  We have the sacraments, where there is an abundant of God’s grace.  Your faithfulness to attend daily masses gives you strength.  Your daily rosaries are your best weapons against the devil.  I always admire your zeal for apostolate and for your constant corporal works of mercy.  Keep it up.  And one thing: don’t miss your legion meetings.

The battle is not yet over, my dear Legionaries.  And every time you say this prayer, say it with all your heart.

Confer, O Lord, on us, Who serve beneath the standard of Mary, That fullness of faith in you and trust in her, To which it is given to conquer the world.  Grant us a lively faith, animated by charity, Which will enable us to perform all our actions From the motive of pure love of you, And ever to see you and serve you in our neighbor; A faith, firm and immovable as a rock, Through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast Amid the crosses, toils and disappointments of life; A courageous faith which will inspire us To undertake and carry out without hesitation Great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls; A faith which will be our Legion’s Pillar of Fire – To lead us forth united – To kindle everywhere the fires of divine love – To enlighten those who are in darkness and in the shadow of death – To inflame those who are lukewarm – To bring back life to those who are dead in sin; And which will guide our own feet in the way of peace; So that – the battle of life over – Our Legion may reassemble,  Without the loss of any one, In the kingdom of your love and glory. Amen (Legio Mariae Handbook, pp. 134-135)

My dear Legionaries, bear in mind that the battle is not yet over.  But you need not worry!  The Blessed Mother is by your side.  One day when the battle is over, you will reach the prize of your sacrifice – heavenly life; and this is more than any wonderland…

Delivered during the Legion Congress at Our Lady of Loreto Curia, Sampaloc, Metro Manila on 30^th of August, 2009.