“A Vision For You” goes on to answer the question, “Now what?” These words were written to the recovering alcoholic reading the book in the late 1930s-1940s, the fledgling days of Alcoholics Anonymous, long before what has now become a relatively dense network of members and groups worldwide. Not terribly unlike the disbursed people of Israel in the days of our first reading.

The AA text goes on to encourage the new member in ways to seek out others who would join him in recovery. First, it encourages him to reach out to people who are ready to begin—who have hit their bottom and want a way out—and then to those who have found recovery in order to build local groups for fellowship, sponsorship, and positive sober socialization.

Beyond the building of local fellowships, “A Vision For You” goes on to speak of a wide network of groups that travelers (for business or pleasure) can visit as they roam. “This practice [visiting groups] enables us to lend a hand, at the same time avoiding certain alluring distractions of the road, about which any traveling man can inform you.”

The text ends with this: “Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. May God bless you and keep you—until then.”

Reflection Questions

• How have you looked for and found recovery fellowship during your travels?
• How can you share the message of recovery with those with whom you interact as a way of life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56

Reflection by Kevin S.