The Responsorial Psalm closes with, “Although they go forth weeping…they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. The Lord has done marvels for us.” When I was in my addiction, there was much weeping, a lot of it silent. But now, having come into recovery and continuing to build and nurture my relationship with the true God, I find myself “rejoicing” with gratitude for this wonderful gift of sobriety I’ve been given.

Let this Halloween be a time for us to remember the demons of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments so that we might remain close to Christ, rejoicing always in Him. As the trick-or-treaters come to our doors, we know that those evil spirits have no reign in our lives today. And as we attend Holy Mass tomorrow for All Saints Day, a holy day, we can gratefully rejoice in the abundant gifts of sobriety and the benefits we now experience.

Reflection Questions

• How do you remember your sufferings when the demons of addiction ran amok in your life in order to keep a beginner’s mindset in your recovery (something known as “keeping it green”)? What does remembering this stir within your heart?
• How can you let the experience of your own personal Halloween of “demons running amok” bring you to more fully realize the glory and joy of your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

Reflection by Kevin S.