“He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’ There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:11-12).

As we read in today’s first reading, Jesus is the cornerstone of our life. He is also the cornerstone of our recovery. In our addiction, we put our self-will in the center and rejected God’s will and guidance. But that is a life built on shifting sand. As long as we reject this vital truth of Jesus as our “cornerstone,” we will always be out on dark waters, futilely casting out and pulling up empty nets.

In the Third Step Prayer, we become willing to turn our lives and wills over to God’s care. We begin casting our nets under His guidance. Once I did this, my obsession was lifted, my sanity was restored, and I was able to stop drinking. It took me years to realize that Jesus was patiently waiting on the shore for me, and I am continually learning how to give my life over to Him. We are blessed to be surrounded in recovery by those who point to our savior on the shore. The only question that remains for us is this: How quickly will we, like Peter, jump out of the boat and rush to meet Him?

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of your life are you still out on the dark waters of self-will? How is that working out for you?
• How can you use the steps and tools of recovery to invite God’s will into your life? How can you point out God’s role in another’s life to encourage them in their own faith?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a
Gospel: John 21:1-14

Reflection by Ann A.