Addiction and recovery in families can have similar complexities. As parents, we may suffer greatly from having a son or daughter lost to addiction, compulsions, or unhealthy attachments. In some cases, our child may not be open to recovery or healing, even becoming manipulative or violent toward us in ways similar to Absolum toward David. We must set legitimate boundaries to protect ourselves and detach from our children’s unhealthy behaviors and decisions while still loving them. Yet, even though we might have to make hard choices as parents, we should always remain aware of God’s infinite love for our children. Let us pray today for all parents with children still struggling with addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. And let us pray and hope today that, unlike David, they will soon have reason to celebrate their children finding freedom and healing.

Reflection Questions

• Unlike Absolum, we are walking the road of recovery under God’s grace. Reflect on David’s mourning for his own child in relation to your relationship with your parents and your own children if you’re also a parent.
• How do you respond when someone you know loses their life to their addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment, whether they have been in recovery or not?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

Reflection by Kevin S.