I first experienced God’s mercy and grace at my recovery meetings. I couldn’t believe these people would remember my name, much less show interest in my life. My second wave of mercy began when I started working the steps with a sponsor. She showed me unconditional love. Eventually, I was able to sustain my own relationship with God and for that, I am forever grateful that He chose me when I couldn’t and wouldn’t choose Him.

When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, my entire life became sealed in Him. I am reminded today that I get to live differently. I get to choose Him today. I get to do alcoholism in my family differently today. I get to love others because my cup overflows. As the Psalms reminds us, “goodness and mercy will pursue [us] all the days of [our] life; [we] will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days” (Psalm 23:6).

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced mercy in your recovery meetings? What is God doing for you today that you couldn’t do for yourself?
• How do you maintain an interior relationship with God? What spiritual tools do you use?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Colossians 1:24–2:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 62:6-7, 9
Gospel: Luke 6:6-11

Reflection by Paola P.