Christ’s mission includes bringing glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the spiritually blind, and freedom to the oppressed. We are grateful to be among His beneficiaries and have been grafted onto His mission by way of our baptism. We identify as beloved sons and daughters of God. Unfortunately, some sibling rivalry exists that can distract us from our mission.
Each of us is unique. It is not uncommon, at times, to believe that we are terminally unique and that the spiritual solution that has worked for countless others is ineffective for us. In other instances, we may feel separated from others by the comparisons we make. We compare our insides to other people’s outsides and, when shame is activated, we question our own value and dignity. This is far from the attitude of Christian love and service that is found at the heart of the Gospel. The work of recovery frees us from pride and unites us with the body of Christ.
Early Christians struggled with similar interpersonal difficulties as they became followers of Christ. We have heard several examples of the disciples’ concerns for honor and status among their peers. This Sunday’s second reading is from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. He warns them of pride and division:
As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.
God has so constructed the body
as to give greater honor to a part that is without it,
so that there may be no division in the body,
but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it;
if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.
Some people God has designated in the church
to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers;
then, mighty deeds;
then gifts of healing, assistance, administration,
and varieties of tongues.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing?
Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
In our active addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment, our contribution to the body of Christ was repressed. Recovery gives us the opportunity to re-engage the gifts that God has given us. As we remain open to our role in Christ’s mission through recovery, more is revealed about the great plans that God has for us.
Reflection Questions
- What factors keep you separated from your brothers and sisters in Christ? What part do you play in this separation?
- What spiritual gifts have you been given that allow you to share in the mission of Jesus?
- How have you encountered new and surprising gifts since being active in recovery?
Sunday Mass Readings
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery
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General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery