This Sunday’s Second Reading describes what happens when we gather together to share about God working in our lives. Saint Paul explains:

Brothers and sisters:
We speak a wisdom to those who are mature,
not a wisdom of this age,
nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.
Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden,
which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,
and which none of the rulers of this age knew.

When we put our faith in the Lord, our recovery bears rich fruit and offers freedom from the shackles of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. This is a dramatic change from the pursuit of power, pleasure, honor, and wealth which took priority when we were active in addiction. Through humble prayer, we ask God for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out.

Some of us may have grown up with a faith full of duties and checklists that was void of love and self-sacrifice. Matthew’s Gospel, which we will read throughout this liturgical year, paints Jesus as the new Moses whose mission is not to destroy Jewish Law but to ground it more firmly in a heartfelt, loving relationship between us and God. As we get into the depths of our recovery, we find a similar transition taking place. Our spiritual progress relies on improved, authentic relationships with the body of Christ, which often demands more than just checking boxes.

From a human perspective, dutifully checking off boxes seems like a much easier and softer way to get on God’s good side than approaching a neighbor or relative we’ve been feuding with. Thankfully, the Twelve Steps move us into a deeper relationship with God and others while providing a framework to live with integrity.

Jesus notes that a simple way to maintain loving relationships with others is to “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’” Too often, we abandon the truth and shrink ourselves in front of others while losing our sense of self. As a result of our recovery, we gain freedom and renewed trust in God that makes honesty come a little bit easier.

By authentically sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others in meetings and elsewhere, we join the important movement to help our Church develop a “field hospital” mentality where the wounded are welcomed and offered healing. Our solution rests in Jesus Christ and the outpouring of love he makes available every day.

Reflection Questions

• What kind of field hospital experiences have you had at your local church when you felt a sense of healing and hospitality?
• Describe a moment in your recovery journey when you fully surrendered to the will of God.
• How do you interpret Jesus’ declaration to let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no’?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Family & Friends Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection

Download virtual meeting reflections: General Recovery, Family & Friends Recovery, Lust Addiction Recovery