This idea can be theologically difficult but does not need to be something we over-complicate. As we declare in the Nicene Creed:

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.

The Creed continues:

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

Our belief in the Trinity does not mean that we believe in three gods. Rather, it is one God that reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What does that mean for us recovering from addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments? Think of the Holy Trinity as God’s multi-faceted pursuit of us to know, love, and serve Him.

In recovery, we are given a chance to transform from a spirit of slavery to a spirit of freedom through our adoption in the Holy Trinity. In this relationship, we can shed the shame of our past and re-frame our attitude alongside our brothers and sisters seeking spiritual progress.

It is often said that recovery is a we program, not an I program. We need each other. As baptized Christians, this also implies that our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential part of the experience. It cements our identity as children of God, co-heirs to His kingdom with Christ, and channels of the Holy Spirit. By replacing I with we, we begin to replace illness with wellness.

Saint Paul repeatedly notes that we are to suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with him. Our experience in recovery tells us that as we get better, the circumstances around us may still be troubling. Alone, we may not be able to withstand this suffering—certainly not in a redemptive way.

We find courage through our union with the Holy Trinity and the loving support of others on our journey. We are not always moved by a rushing breeze of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the voice of God can only be heard when we empty our minds and quiet our hearts. Affirmation that we are on the right path comes when we experience the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Reflection Questions

• What does a we program of recovery look like for you?
• Have you had an experience where the initial rush or euphoria of recovery wore off? Explain what happened and/or how you adapted to maintain a daily commitment to recovery.
• How do you understand redemptive suffering through the lens of your recovery?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: John 3:16-18

Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
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Printable Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection

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