In today’s first reading, we read, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). This calls to mind how Saint Bosco encouraged his mentees to make recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer often. When we come to this sacrament, Jesus removes our shame, guilt, anxiety, and fear and gives us the grace to live honorable, pure, gracious, and excellent lives. It is similar to when we do Step Five with our sponsor, emptying ourselves of our sins and defects in humility and making space for God to act in our lives. This wonderful sacrament and step give us the strength to get back on our feet and keep walking with Jesus in our faith and recovery journeys.

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus tell His disciples, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). This reminds us of how we must be humble to receive Jesus and enter the Kingdom. As we come to the rooms of recovery, we must remember that we are children of God who are called to have an open mind and heart to receive the experience, strength, and hope of others. Let us have obedience to the teachings of the Gospel and recovery, becoming childlike as Christ asks of us and knowing His joy and peace.

Reflection Questions

• What keeps you from adopting a childlike heart?
• How have you experienced the healing of Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Step Five? How do you experience Jesus removing your anxieties and giving you peace as you work your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5 

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.