We express our abandonment—or retreat from old actions, behavior, and way of thinking—by honestly uncovering the truth of our condition. Putting specific consequences of our own behavior on paper makes it possible to see our lives from a new set of lenses. We trust that, with the help of God, this will not be an impossible exercise and is a critical part of making spiritual progress.

Self-knowledge can only get us so far. Acknowledging that we have been ruled addiction is an important beginning, but we must take further action to find joy and freedom. Beginning work on the first step of recovery will lay a foundation for the spiritual growth that is yet to come.

Last week we discussed the importance of accompaniment in this process. We can’t do it alone, and sharing our work with a sponsor can be just as important as putting pen to paper. We abandon ourselves to God by putting faith in the experience, strength, and hope of others who attend meetings and value their recovery. We share openly and honestly in meetings and with our sponsors so that the truth may set us free!

The time is now. Jesus echoes the sentiment of taking action to move away from old patterns and into a life of hope in this Sunday’s Gospel Reading:

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The disciples of Jesus were no different than we are: simple individuals focused on their own agendas and obligations. They likely had their own set of concerns, fears, and hang-ups. Things changed when they encountered Jesus, as he said to them:

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.

The kingdom of God is at hand. Thanks to the Twelve Steps of recovery, we know exactly what to do when God requests that we repent and believe in the good news. We seek an individual who has been in our position, ask them to take us through the steps, stay close to the sacraments, and begin the process of writing and sharing. Suddenly we’ll find that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Reflection Questions

• What personal experience do you have trying to manage life without God?
• What unhealthy patterns and behaviors have you engaged in order to cope with addiction?
• What freedom have you found as a result of leaving your “net” and following Jesus?

Sunday Mass Readings this Week

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

Reflection by Scott W.

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Printable Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection

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