Tản mạn: SAINT PAUL – A MISSIONARY EXAMPLE OF LEGIONARIES

    Having discussed St. Peter as Church leader and role model for Legionaries—especially his commitment to follow Christ—let us now focus on Saint Paul, whom we commemorate together with St. Peter on June 29th, 2026. We look to Paul as an exemplary missionary and an inspiration to Legionaries.

    The Handbook of Legionaries summarizes the history of St Paul: “There was light from heaven. The great persecutor of the Christians was thrown, blinded, to the ground. Then he heard those overwhelming words: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” and St. Paul rejoined: “Who are you, Lord?” And Jesus replied: “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5). (Ch. 9, Part 1). For this event, Saul recognized that he was persecuting the Mystical Body of Christ, and then the true conversion appeared in his heart, which was burning the apostle’s soul. Jesus Christ becomes the main object of Paul's proclamation for the rest of his life. Moreover, Paul keeps consciousness that the filling up in his own flesh what is wanting of the sufferings of Christ. (Col 1:24)

    Saint Paul “simply emphasizes the principle that each member of the body must give what it can give towards the working out of its own salvation and that of others. (Phil 2:12)” (Ch. 9, Part 2). So, he devoted himself to the missionary, becoming “the Apostle of Gentiles”. Through his example of life, Legionaries learned:

    + Accept all challenges of life for the glory of God: Paul lists many sufferings—lashes, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, dangers from people and nature, hunger, and hardship—to demonstrate unwavering faith. (2 Cor 11:23-27) (Ch. 24, Part 10).

    + Intensive connection to God: “The Handbook of Legionaries supplies what St. Paul demands above all: prayers, supplications, and acts of thanksgiving for all men.” (Ch. 16, Part 2). Prayer is clearly the duty of every member of the Legion of Mary. Without prayer and spirituality, legionaries cannot accomplish anything, let alone overcome the smallest challenges. Consider what gave St. Paul the strength to face challenges in his mission to the Gentiles. How did he overcome so many obstacles? Without prayer, spirituality, and belief in God, Paul could do nothing.

    Today, we are called to follow Saint Paul's missionary spirit, acting without fear or concern for success or failure. As with the example of St. Peter, the value of the Legionaries lies in quality, not quantity. Saint Paul teaches us to seek these spiritual merits through prayer and to nurture a steadfast missionary spirit, unafraid of challenges and always reaching out to those on the margins.

    St. Peter, with the calling of the faithful, with the Church, with the Pope, with the leaders of the Church, and the teachings of the Church. St. Paul calls for a persistent commitment to mission.

    Saint Peter and Saint Paul - Pray for us!

Author and Photo: Little Stream