It wasn’t until I touched my rock bottom and finally made the decision to accept that I was powerless over alcohol and addiction that my prayer became honest. I finally came clean to God and asked from the bottom of my heart for help. And just like we see in the first reading, my prayer was “prompted by my deep sorrow and misery” (1 Samuel 1:16). I had begun a true relationship with Christ. I had become honest and humble before God. God answers Hannah’s prayer for a son, giving us an example of the blessings that await us when we trust the Lord. When we ask for God’s help in overcoming our addiction through honest prayer, He blesses us with new life and happiness.

In today’s Gospel, we see how Jesus expelled demons and unclean spirits with authority. This is something that also happens at recovery meetings with our fellows. Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, begins to cast out our oppression, addiction, sense of unworthiness, guilt, and sorrows. And when we listen to the shares of healing and freedom from our fellows, His grace pours over all of us, casting out our doubts and fears.

Reflection Questions

• How did you pray to God when you asked Him to help you with your addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment before recovery?
• What promises has Jesus fulfilled in your life as a result of working your recovery? How have you felt the power of the Holy Spirit when you attend recovery meetings?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.