A priest once advised me in confession to seek out answers to two questions. The first had to do with my motivation for turning away from sin after being forgiven with an intention to sin no more. To state it differently, he asked me to determine my “why” for living and remaining in a state of grace. When we’re able to answer this question with a desire to love God and not simply out of fear or obligation, then we’re able to begin the first step toward a mature spiritual relationship with Christ. We begin to practice true humility for the love of Christ and experience the exaltation of His love that we read about in today’s first reading.

The second question the priest asked me to consider is whether or not I really trust God. If the answer is yes (and this is what God wants of us!), then we should also be ready to submit our will to His will in all things. This is obviously scary and difficult. Yet, as we read in today’s first reading, when we trust in the Lord with humility we come to experience the exaltation of His grace.

Ultimately, the Lord invites us to become humble from a place of love and trust—and when we lower ourselves in such a way we are, paradoxically, raised up by God’s merciful and eternal love.

Reflections Questions

• How can you practice humility today to both love and trust in the Lord more? What are some specific tools from your recovery that can help you do this?
• Reflect on experiences in your life when you felt exalted by the Lord’s grace and mercy.

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: James 4:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Reflection by Aaron W.