Jesus tells us in the Gospel today, “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (Luke 12:39-40). We are reminded to be prepared for whatever comes our way from the hand of God, for in preparing we will be strong enough to endure it well. Before recovery, I would get angry at God for giving me hardships and blame Him for my circumstances, using that as the perfect excuse to drink. But in recovery, my perspective has changed. I now see these challenges as righteous tests, as God’s way of seeing how well I can manage what He has given me, whether a blessing or a trial.

In faith, we can respond to all challenges that come our way, and the Twelve Steps give us the tools to do so with grace. When we work the program and rely on Him, we can become like the faithful steward who is prepared and diligent. It’s by God’s grace that we live sober, yet we must keep taking action so that we are not caught off guard when tribulation comes, missing the blessings God has for us in them.

Reflection Questions

• How have you rested on your laurels while working your recovery and how did this affect your response to hardships? In looking back, have you seen the hand of God after these hardships passed?
• What areas of your recovery need more work and preparation to help you become more spiritually fit?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 12:39-48

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.