In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter “The Parable of the Two Sons.” Each son is asked by their father to go out and work in the vineyard. The first son replies he won’t but later changes his mind and goes out into the vineyard. The second son replies that he will but never actually goes out into the vineyard. My answer to many requests in my own life were like that of the first son: “No, I can’t, not now.” Later, though, out of guilt I would obey the request. Behaviors like these were very common during my active alcoholism (and occasionally I still do them today). Intense feelings of guilt and remorse would haunt me until I got into recovery and did my third step. 

Surrendering one’s will to the will of God is the basis of a healthy and long recovery. It takes a lot of determination and humility to learn how to do this. The structure of the AA and CIR programs, their meetings, the Twelve Steps, and fellowship help us along this path of surrender, freeing us from guilt and giving us peace. As Psalm 34 reads, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed … The LORD is the redeemer of the souls of his servants; and none are condemned who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:19-23). Being happy in recovery requires being thankful to God for all of His graces with a spirit of surrender. And when we do this, we no longer act from a place of guilt but, instead, a place of love and peace.

Reflection Questions 

• Which of the two sons from today’s Gospel reading do you most identify with? Why?
• What does surrendering your will to the will of God mean to you? What are some practices and routines that you can engage in as Advent continues to support a healthy and long recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Reflection by Loretta L.