The relevance of today’s Gospel for those seeking healing and recovery from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments is the reminder of where we have come from in the depths of our illness and the importance of living our recovery program one day at a time. We are peculiarly and paradoxically “fortunate” in having lived a life of active addiction because we have already come face to face with the burden of existing only for the purpose of serving our own misguided desires. And in recovery, we have encountered the redemptive power of Jesus—we have received the sign of His divinity and power! Today’s Gospel is a “sobering” affirmation of our need to rely on Jesus to continue making progress in our daily walk in recovery and that we are now able to freely choose the path leading to Him.

Reflection Questions

• What signs emerged in the midst of your life of addiction that prompted you to seek healing in Jesus and pursue sobriety and recovery?
• How do you maintain a system of checks and balances that enable you to be accountable in your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113:1B-2, 3-4, 5A AND 6-7
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32 

Reflection by Mark L.