Turning to today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus speaking of a yet another theme familiar to the recovering community: perseverance. Like the widow in the parable, so often in our recovery journey we seek justice and righteousness once our minds are clear and we have relinquished our control over addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. We are anxious to make amends and to right the wrongs we have committed, and our program builds a foundation upon which we can pursue the means to that end. Persistence and perseverance in this regard will lead to justice and a “balancing of the scales” that is necessary for us to live with integrity and serenity. Our efforts are evident in a daily adherence to the Steps and living them out as well as we can from moment to moment. Over time, it becomes clear that we have not remained stationary and stagnant in our journey. We are making progress, and our perseverance has been rewarded with the grace required to continue to seek opportunities for the redemptive amends-making work that heals us and those we have harmed.

Reflection Questions

• How has service played a role in your recovery? What acts of service can you do today?
• In what ways can you bolster your efforts to persevere in your daily journey of recovery? What spiritual practices can fortify those efforts?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 3 John 5-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Reflection by Mark L.