Page 315 - 聖母軍團員手冊（英文版，2014年5月-2022年1月更新版）

Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 310

310 GO PREACH THE GOSPEL CHAPTER 40
every corner of the country. Wherever neglect is creeping in
or venial sin putting up its head, there is a preparation for
abominations. Wheresoever the worker may be, there is work
to hand to do. Were it nothing else, speak words of
consolation to some poor old body in an infirmary, or teach
little children to bless themselves and lisp the answer to:
‘Who made the world?’ and, little though you realise it, you
strike a fierce blow at the whole machinery of evil. Fourth,
and this is a message of hope to the apostolic worker who is
overmuch inclined to lose heart in the presence of formidable
evil, even such a riot of disorder as we have pictured is not
incurable. There is a remedy — and there is only the one —
and it lies in the intense and patient application of the
religious system of the Church.
Under all that crusted depravity, the bare outline of which
makes one shudder, there is a faith which in better moments
longs for goodness. If, then there is someone at hand to coax
and encourage and speak of better things and hold out hope
that all can be repaired, the worst victim of that depravity can
be brought to priest and sacraments. With these received, a
renovation has taken place which can never be completely
undone. Frequently, the great power which goes out from
Christ in his sacraments is manifested, and we are left marvel -
ling to find that the miracle of the changed life — an
Augustine or Mary of Magdala in a minor key — has been
renewed.
For others the cure will be less striking. The draw of the evil
habits and the old influences will be irresistible. There will be
the falling and rising again. They may never be made into
what would be called good citizens, but sufficient of the
supernatural will probably find a place in their lives to bring
them to port in the end. The great object will have been
achieved.
In fact, there will be little failure for the legionary with
simple, courageous faith, no matter where or in what dark
and evil places he or she may labour. The rule is short —
spread abroad the reign of the sacraments and the popular
devotions, and sin will melt away before you. Do good
anywhere, and you raise all, it suffices to break the opposing
battle-line at any point. Shape your instruments to the
necessity. Six families in a house are standing aloof from Mass