It is fitting that this theme of faithfulness, sincerity, and integrity arises on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Mary’s “fiat” when presented with the news from the angel Gabriel was not a single affirmation offered once on that Annunciation event. It was a daily commitment to offer herself for God’s purpose each and every day of her life. We have the Blessed Mother’s example to follow when we are called, one day at a time, to forgo our own self-interests and heed the call of our 12-step program and our commitment to our Catholic faith. As we progress in our recovery efforts, we find that some days are harder than others in this regard. How often have we “white-knuckled it” and ended our day abruptly to find respite in sleep in order to end the day at hand? These challenging days, however, are also balanced with others that are filled with an awareness of the reward and joy that comes from the integrity of living fully in recovery and faith. Whether challenging or relatively easy, each day that we manage, with God’s grace, to live out our Catholic faith and our 12-step program, we are recovering our integrity and rebuilding the relationships we had lost in our active addiction.

Reflection Questions

• How does the Blessed Mother play a role in your recovery efforts?
• How has your recovery restored your integrity in your own view and from the perspective of others?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Galatians 1:6-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:1B-2, 7-8, 9 AND 10C
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Reflection by Mark L.