This is why God has given us the two commandments: love of God (contemplation) and love of neighbor (action), but the first of these is love of God. We see this parallel in the Twelve Steps where first we accept that we are powerless and by this submit everything to God’s authority and power. We surrender to God’s love and meditate on Him.

It would be a mistake, however, to think that powerlessness and surrender mean that recovery is entirely passive. We must take action and do works of service. “Faith alone” is not sufficient, nor is only meditating on the greatness of God’s love. Our recovery needs both prayer and action. Assisting our brothers and sisters in recovery, attending meetings, reaching out in fellowship, being willing to volunteer as a sponsor—all these ways of “giving back” are positive actions we can take. As the great quote from an ancient spiritual writer (many believe to be Saint Augustine) instructs us, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

By this, we see that the balance of love of God and love of neighbor, the lives of Mary (contemplation) and Martha (good work), should be the spiritual aim of our own recovery and lives.

Reflection Questions

• How have you been able to balance action and contemplation in your recovery journey? Does one aspect get more attention than the other?
• Has your understanding of powerlessness versus the need to take responsibility improved as you have worked your recovery? If so, how?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 John 4:7-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11
Gospel: John 11:19-27 OR Luke 10:38-42

Reflection by Bill B.