In Mark’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus challenged the Pharisees about their hardness of heart in healing on the Sabbath. Not only was Jesus angry but he was grieved by the state of their hearts. As we turned to our addictions for the answer to life’s challenges in the past, how must Jesus have looked upon us with anger and sadness? Not vindictive anger directed at us—for Jesus loves us completely and with compassion—but anger stemming from our being separated from Him. As the Pharisees plotted to bring death to Jesus, so we in our sinful addictions contributed our part to the passion and death of Jesus. Yet, how much He loves us! In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are privileged to return to Him over and over to ask for forgiveness, receive absolution, and begin again.

Finally, today we remember Saint Anthony, the “Father of Monks,” who lived in the desert and dedicated himself to a life of asceticism. Tormented by diabolical attacks, Saint Anthony said, “Believe me; the devil fears the vigils of pious souls, and their fastings, their voluntary poverty, their loving compassion, their humility, but most of all their ardent love of Christ our Lord. As soon as he sees the sign of the Cross, he flees in terror.”

So, we begin like David facing the giant and taking the steps of surrendering our disease to the Lord who fights our battles for us. Then we work the next nine steps of recovery to face the daily challenges of life that attempt to derail our recovery. All the while, Jesus Christ is with us, reaching out for us, and wanting to heal us if only we allow Him. And when we’re struggling, as Saint Anthony reminds us, all it takes is a simple prayer—even just the sign of the cross—to make Satan “flee in terror” by claiming the protection of Christ’s merciful love.

Reflection Questions

• In what ways have you experienced God fighting your battles for you?
• What are your daily practices to help you combat your addiction? How have you experienced the healing of Christ in these practices?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Reflection by Kathryn A.