As people in recovery, we have much experience attempting to fill the void in the human heart with the “vapor” of vanity as opposed to God alone. Addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments are ways we have misplaced trust in things that will never satisfy. They instead brought us to the brink of despair time and time again. However, the gift of desperation, God’s mercy dwelling in His church, and the 12-step way of living offer us ways to nourish the theological virtue of Hope in the darkness. Hope is the virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength but on the help of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1817). As we work our recovery with the theological virtue of Hope, rest assured that we no longer rely on our own strength but are aided by the Holy Spirit in His power that we received at our baptism. That is good news! And with such good news we can pray along with Psalm 90: “In every age, O Lord, You have been our refuge.”

Recovery and healing are gifts that come from accepting our spiritual sickness and surrendering to God’s will. He is the Great Physician who knows us better than we know ourselves. When we let go of trying to fill our hearts with the vanities of the world and, instead, come to know our true identity as children of God, then we begin to live on earth today as it is in Heaven!

Reflection Questions

• How have you been deceived by placing trust in the “vanity of vanities”? How has recovery aided you in transforming your ability to trust in God over the world?
• How do you connect the theological virtue of Hope with 12-step principles?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17
Gospel: Luke 9:43B-45

Reflection by Talitha R.