Within our lives and 12-step groups, we also experience “goodbyes,” especially when it comes to sponsors or spiritual mentors. These can occur through death, moving to a new place, a change in circumstances, etc. Similar to Saint Paul and Jesus in today’s readings, a sponsor or spiritual mentor imparts their own experience, strength, and hope in an effort to help us with our unhealthy attachment or addiction and reorient ourselves to a life of humility, obedience, integrity, and service to others. In the words of Saint Josemaria Escriva, “A disciple of Christ will never treat anyone badly. Error he will call error, but the person in error will correct with kindness. Otherwise, he will not be able to help him…” Through their availability and sacrifice, sponsors and spiritual mentors guide us to “direct our attention to what He would have us be” (Alcoholics Anonymous).

When a time of separation from our sponsor or spiritual mentor occurs, for whatever reason, we can experience some trepidation. However, we can take consolation in the words of today’s Alleluia verse, “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always” (John 14:16). We can trust that if we remain open to the prodding of the Spirit, we will be led to find a new sponsor or spiritual mentor as we continue on our journey of recovery and faith.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect upon your own experience of losing a sponsor or spiritual mentor. In what ways did the Holy Spirit lead you in your recovery and faith until another relationship could be established?
• In both of today’s readings, Saint Paul and Jesus recap their efforts prior to their departure. Why do you think they did this, and how might reflecting on this bring insights into your own recovery and faith history?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 20:17-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21
Gospel: John 17:1-11a

Reflection by Kay P.