As beloved sons and daughters of God, we have received a gift that can never be taken from us. It is important to consider how we respond to this gift and reflect on whether we behave in a way that exudes gratitude or a sense of entitlement. Do we give praise and thanks to God for being chosen, or do we take our gift of redemption for granted and become complacent in our daily efforts to avoid sin and persevere in our struggle with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments? We cannot “un-become” beloved children of God, so we will either respond as joyful, grateful sons and daughters, or apathetic and “spoiled” ones!   

Reflection Questions

• How has your recovery journey reflected the acceptance of yourself as a beloved child of God?
• How do you view the relationship between your recovery journey and your spiritual quest for heaven?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13
Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Reflection by Mark L.