Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr

Jesus’ words remind me of my behaviors in active addiction when I complained and judged others just like the “generation” He is referring to today. His words are also a good reminder to stay vigilant in taking a regular inventory so that we catch ourselves when we fall into sinful or unhealthy tendencies. Complaining, judging, or comparing ourselves to others in and outside the rooms of recovery is a red flag and should prompt immediate action on our part. In my active addiction, I used to hide behind constantly pulling down others in order to build myself up, all while I was slowly dying on the inside. I had my glasses on backward, so to speak, which distorted the view of my surroundings, family, friends, and society. I was emotionally, physically, and spiritually bankrupt, blindly grasping for my next drink, fix, or drag.

Praise be to God that He broke through the darkness of my blindness in a moment of clarity when I surrendered to Him, responding in my heart to words proclaimed by Isaiah: “I the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go” (Isaiah 48:17). Through the love and support of my fellowships in AA and CIR, working the Steps with a sponsor, and regularly receiving the sacraments of our Catholic faith, the scales began to fall from my eyes. The world of recovery became radiant, bright, and beautiful—full of promise and hope.

Today we also honor Saint Lucy, the patron for those with vision problems. May we ask her to intercede for us to remove the scales from our eyes that keep us blind to God’s love and provide a clear path toward our recovery, one day at a time. Saint Lucy, pray for us!

 

Reflection Questions

  • Are there people, places, or things blocking you from taking the next step in your recovery? If so, are you ready to remove them to find a clearer path forward?
  • What does your daily inventory routine look like? Consider sharing it with a newcomer and explaining why having such a routine is important.

 

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

Reflection by Kathy B.