At one point in our lives, we may have had high expectations for ourselves. Who among us didn’t think they were going to be a starting quarterback for the NY Giants or a dancer at the Met? Sadly, dreams don’t always come true. Perhaps, it was when life didn’t turn out as we hoped or expected that drove us into our addictions, compulsions, or unhealthy attachments.

The good news—and there is good news—is that God always knew us and what our lives could be in His eyes. He created us as His wonderful children and He has a plan for all of us—a plan that we slowly come to discover once we surrender to His will and find freedom and hope in recovery. In the course of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we developed a number of imperfections. But God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, escorts us through our imperfections, bringing us new hope and a new beginning. Through His grace, He helps us to live one day at a time so that He can make reality the wonderful dream He has for each one of us.

Reflection Questions

• What were your original expectations for yourself or your life and how has recovery changed those expectations? How has God’s grace helped you accept yourself and life?
• What person has helped you in your recovery by their encouragement and harboring positive expectations of you?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10
Gospel: Luke 2:36-40

Reflection by Jeff R.