Today’s Responsorial Psalm reminds us of God’s love and faithfulness toward us no matter the pain and brokenness we feel. It reminds me of my younger self, and in my imagination, I pray with that little girl in a tree with today’s words from the Psalmist.

“Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your mercy. Do not let me be put to shame, for I have called to you, LORD” (Psalms 31:17-18).

As a Catholic adult child in recovery, I understand now how that “Tree of Life” prefigured the cross that gives us life. As we remain faithful to Christ, our own crosses can lead us to eternal life where there is no addiction, fear, rage, or pain. In fact, we can even experience a foretaste of the joy and freedom of heaven here and now by carrying our crosses with Christ and working the Twelve Steps of recovery.

Now when I feel anxiety well up, and that little girl inside me begins crying out for the love and attention she never received in those terrifying moments of abandonment, I can remind her of God’s love—the Love that created the “Tree of Life” in the Garden of Eden, the Love that died on another tree on Good Friday for all of humanity, and the Love that offers us all freedom, peace, and everlasting joy.

Reflection Questions

• What Scripture verses remind you of the love God has for you, His precious child? How might the readings from today reveal God’s particular love for you?
• How has recovery helped you overcome fear, despair, rage, or helplessness in your life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13—53:12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Gospel: John 18:1—19:42

Reflection by Chloe D.