Fortunately, God did eventually get my attention with a sign, inviting me to trust in Him to find real freedom. That sign was the roadmap of recovery. Unlike Isiah’s prophecy that would not come true for multiple centuries, the roadmap that God laid out for me in the form of the Twelve Steps was available whenever I chose to surrender to Him. But until I surrendered I was still wrapped up in the mechanical practice of my Catholic faith and the millstone around my neck of addiction remained. What I needed was a new pair of glasses. And it was in the rooms of recovery where I began to see God close up and, also, realize the beauty of truly living out the Catholic faith.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect on the times in your life when you were like King Ahaz, only culturally or mechanically practicing your Catholic faith and telling God, “I got this?”
• How are you balancing the recovery concept of keeping your “head in the clouds but feet firmly planted on the ground?”

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Reflection by Kevin S.