The Apostles seek the unification of various factions of believers who have differing perspectives and practices that potentially threaten to divide the Body of Christ. A process of discussion, prayer, and discernment leads them to a resolution through the Holy Spirit, and an emphasis on common beliefs, practices, and priorities yields a joyful conclusion. Our Catholic in Recovery meeting guidelines, likewise, encourage us to focus on the shared beliefs and practices of our Catholic faith while remaining tolerant of individual differences that may exist among members. As brothers and sisters in Christ and in recovery, we need one another to sustain both our faith life and our sobriety. And because we need one another to grow in recovery and faith, tolerance and acceptance of individual differences regarding nuances of beliefs and practices within our groups is necessary.
Seeking a deeper union and oneness with Christ is also vital to our journey in recovery and our spiritual growth. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus removes the barrier to that unification by calling us “friends.” As recovering addicts, we have a keen sense of the meaning of what it is to be a “slave,” and Jesus speaks directly to us as He calls us out of bondage and separation by inviting us to abide with Him as friend. It takes a measure of courage and humility for us to respond to Jesus’ call to walk beside Him as a friend because we must fully let go of our past selves. Perhaps we can move toward that response as we follow the example of our brothers and sisters, some of whom have already made that leap of faith to walk beside Him with confidence.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you foster unity and avoid division among members of your recovery and faith relationships?
- How have you made progress in your faith and recovery life toward accepting Jesus’ call to seek Him as a friend who can accompany you?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Acts 15:22-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57:8-9, 10 and 12
Gospel: John 15:12-17
Reflection by Mark L.