Saint Paul summarizes this notion in the 8th chapter of his Letter to the Romans, this Sunday’s Second Reading:

Brothers and sisters:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,
but you received a Spirit of adoption,
through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!”
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs,
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if only we suffer with him
so that we may also be glorified with him.

In our recovery from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we are given a chance to transform from a spirit of slavery to a spirit of freedom through our adoption in the Holy Trinity. In this relationship, we can shed the shame of our past and re-frame our attitude alongside our brothers and sisters seeking spiritual progress.

It is often said that recovery is a we program, not an I program. We need each other. As baptized Christians, this also implies that our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential part of the experience. It cements our identity as children of God, co-heirs to His kingdom with Christ, and vessels of the Holy Spirit. By replacing I with we, we replace illness with wellness.

Paul concludes this passage by noting that we are to suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with him. Our experience in recovery tells us that as we get better, the circumstances around us may still be troubling. Alone, we may not be able to withstand this suffering—certainly not in a redemptive way. We find courage through our union with the Holy Trinity and the loving support of others in our fellowship.

Sometimes the voice of God can only be heard when we empty our minds and quiet our hearts. Affirmation that we are on the right path comes when we experience the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

We are not always moved by good feelings. The pink cloud of recovery, which often accompanies the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual improvements we experience through early sobriety and abstinence, tends to fade over time. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the daily practices and commitments that helped us find freedom, even when the gift of desperation wears out. We continue to make spiritual progress through working the Twelve Steps, serving others, and deepening our relationship with the Holy Trinity.

Reflection Questions

• What does a we program of recovery look like for you?
• How do you stay committed to your recovery and healthy daily practices even when the initial euphoria or pink cloud has worn off?
• How do you understand redemptive suffering through the lens of your recovery?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22
Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

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General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery