So, what were some of the “untruths” that we had to unmask and unlearn in recovery? Well, first and foremost we had to accept that we were not the masters of our lives or anyone else’s life, or even the circumstances and situations in our lives. In truth, we discovered that our lives were not our own at all (cf. Psalm 100:3, Romans 14:7-9, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 2 Corinthians 5:15). Moreover, we came to learn that the delusions of self-sufficiency and self-obsession were either the cause of our compulsions and/or perpetuated and deepened them. Once we honestly relinquished the pretense that we were the “god” of our lives, then God Himself could actually enter into our humility of heart and heal our brokenness in His power. This is truly the most surprising, wonderful, and paradoxical truth of recovery–in surrender comes victory, in suffering comes joy, in weakness comes strength.
Many of us furthermore discovered that we were burdened with an insidious and false belief that we were unwanted, unlovable, and unforgivable, none of which was true, and all of which surely served to fuel the pyre of our self-destruction. Such faulty perceptions were nothing but bald-faced lies whispered into the ears of our hearts by Satan to deceive us! To receive the Good News that we were uniquely and wonderfully made, that we were beloved sons and daughters of God, and that we are forgiven if we are willing to receive Christ’s mercy, was to receive a type of resurrection in this life and an abundance of joy like we had never experienced before. We were empowered to boldly declare with and in Christ,“Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23) and be free.
Equally important, we learned that God–Emmanuel–was always with us, is always with us, and will always be with us, even in our falls, if we just get up again with contrite and trusting hearts and carry our crosses anew. That is why recovery is a life-long journey of conversion, taking one day at a time dying to self that He may reign within us. As Saint Jude exhorts, “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 20-21).
Saint Justin Martyr, pray for us!
Reflection Questions
- What were some of the ways you were not “living according to truth” before coming into recovery? What were the “untruths” that you have had to work through in recovery?
- How does Christ dwell within you richly today?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Jude 17, 20b-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Mark 11:27-33
Reflection by Pete S.