Jesus is our God who loves us so much that He became one of us, died for us, and rose from the dead for us so that we could be free—free from sin, and free from our addictions. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives us the two greatest commandments that, when followed, lead us to sobriety, freedom, and God’s eternal “land” of His heavenly kingdom: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…[and] You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22 34-40).

Reflection Questions

• Who, like Naomi, are the people in your life who helped you in your faith and recovery—helped you to find a new home, a new people, and a new God?
• How have the Twelve Steps and your Catholic faith given you a new sense of purpose, meaning, and the freedom to love God and others?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

Reflection by Marty T.