[Handbook Chapter 33 (2) & (3)]
The Legion Handbook needs to be carefully studied. There is not a finite day that we can finish reading the Handbook; the Handbook will not get obsolete with time. What one gets out of it varies with the level of sanctity and virtues. Some legionaries do not like the term “work” in the Handbook and instead, they refer to it as “service”. In fact, “work” and “service” are not the same. We need to have a reverent heart to do our work and also, a reverent heart to serve. Work referred to by legionaries is the work that is being assigned. This is not the daily “nine to five” routine work. The work is but “prayer in another form”. We cannot use prayer or special devotion to replace substantial work because the core of the work is Eternal God. Similarly, the object of prayer is also God.
We have to be on the alert on some spiritual practice of other religions, such as meditation and contemplation, to become zone out or empty oneself, which are very dangerous, as sound and sensation from the outside or from the spiritual world may be coming from God, but they may also be coming from the devil. We worship God with our heart and mind, with truth as the basis, but not illusory and uncertain feelings. As a legionary, our work is for God. Work is like saying a prayer, during the process of work, our inner being is reflected. God observes the inner part of people; He understands people’s hearts. We need to examine the motive and purpose of our work, and the conditions of the inner self during the process. Our complaint and attitude during work, or when we realize the fault and the darkness inside, this is the gracious moment when we are shone by God, and the moment when we can see our deficiencies and our sins. However, we should not remain in this state but should leave the fault. The Sacrament of confession would provide help.
There is “the grace of knowing sin”, and “the grace of repentance”. Renouncing sin is always mentioned in traditional spirituality. People may think that only those wicked beyond redemption are unpardonable, and are evil. They do not know that by lying, being greedy, lazy, and not knowing God are also evil. These are difficult to notice when we follow our preferences. The Handbook emphasizes that we should not choose the legionary work to be assigned. To choose work, we would lose the chance for self-improvement and the opportunity for interactive enhancement of the group. Work requires the “supernatural framework” to make it long lasting. If the work is only for the satisfaction of someone or oneself, or for disbanding guilt feelings, it would not sustain. Only when the work is for God, for loving God, shall it bear fruits. Work is but prayer in another form; it originates from God’s grace. Working for God is of utmost importance.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Timothy Wan
26 October 2025