# Living Sacrifice: Fruitfulness in the Legion of Mary
*2019-10-25*

> Bill Young reflects on Chapter 4, number 2 of the Legion of Mary handbook, linking its call to be a living sacrifice with today’s Gospel and the Divine Mercy novena, emphasizing the urgency of bearing spiritual fruit.

## A Living Sacrifice

We begin with the title of the handbook section: “A Living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:1‑2). From this foundation the Legionary is called to virtues far greater than his own cause, especially noble generosity, echoing St. Teresa of Ávila’s desire to receive much and give little. The Legionary must strive to offer himself as Christ did on the Cross, giving his last breath and his last drop of blood.

## The Parable of the Fig Tree

The Gospel for today (Luke 13:6‑9) tells the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner asks the gardener to give the tree one more year, to dig around it and apply manure; if it bears fruit, all will be well, but if not, it will be cut down. The handbook echoes this image, reminding us that God expects abundant, lasting fruit. He is patient, yet He will not wait forever. The “deadline” He gives can become a lifeline if we respond with repentance, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit’s pruning.

## Deadlines as Lifelines

The handbook’s subtitle, “Deadlines can be lifelines,” stresses that God’s time limits are meant to spur us to holiness and evangelization. The fruit we are called to bear includes the virtues of the Holy Spirit and the effectiveness of our witness. The Lord provides everything we need—grace, the Holy Spirit, discipline—to grow in the vineyard of His love.

## Prayer for the Priests and Religious

We then move into the Divine Mercy Novena, Day 2. Bill reads the prayer:

“Today, bring me the souls of priests and religious and immerse them in my unfathomable mercy… Most merciful Jesus, increase your grace in men and women consecrated to your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy… Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the company of the chosen ones in your vineyard… Amen.”

This prayer asks that those called to shepherd us may be strengthened, so they can guide others to salvation.

## Personal Reflections and Upcoming Events

Bill shares a brief personal note about attending a Divine Mercy film at the local AMC and recalling the canonization of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, which fell on his birthday (December 12). He describes the powerful moments of that Mass, including a vision of clouds forming angelic shapes, underscoring how God’s grace can appear in unexpected ways.

*God’s deadlines are invitations to bear the fruit He has prepared for us; may we respond with faith and become living sacrifices in His vineyard.*