In order to grow in the image and likeness of God, we must foster our relationship with Him with frequent prayer and meditation. For recovery newcomers and old-timers alike, we discover and rediscover ourselves and God more intimately by putting into practice Step Eleven: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” As a maintenance Step, it is one we must never stop doing if we are to remain close to God.
We as Catholics in recovery are truly blessed to have many special prayers and devotions: the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, various novenas and consecrations, and much more. We also have the wisdom of recovery. I like to hearken back to a very simple suggestion given by a wise sponsor of mine, which is to read pages 86-88 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous upon awakening up each morning and before retiring each night. By doing these things and many others, we continue to possess the gift of Wisdom: “For God loves nothing so much as the one who dwells with Wisdom” (Wisdom 7:28).
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on specific times when you encountered “Wisdom” along your recovery journey. How did this experience help you grow in one or more of the characteristics listed in the Scripture passage above?
- How do you put into practice Step 11 each day? Has it changed over time and, if so, how?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Wisdom 7:22b–8:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175
Gospel: Luke 17:20-25
Reflection by Kathy B.