When I came into recovery, I learned by doing a personal inventory that many of my resentments and character defects were also rooted in fear. Even my prayers were rooted in fear. My idea of God was that of a scary person upstairs waiting to smite me. Although I wouldn’t have spoken that out loud, my actions reflected such a belief in God.

But after having had a spiritual experience with a loving God through a 12-step program and the process of experiencing powerlessness, I realized God really did love me. The more we give Him our powerlessness, the more He is able to step in. The more we get out of the way, the more He is able to do. It’s simply humility, and this means knowing that we’re not God and it’s probably best to let Him do the battling for our sakes.

May God be glorified, magnified, and exalted. Saint Boniface, pray for us!

Reflection Questions

• What are some forms of fear you have experienced in your recovery journey? What are the spiritual tools you’ve used to overcome them?
• How have you encountered blessings by embracing your powerlessness and surrendering your will and life to God?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Tobit 1:3; 2:1a-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1b-2, 3b-4, 5-6
Gospel: Mark 12:1-12

Reflection by Paola P.