The Twelve Steps have taught me how to live and be of service to others. It’s been a long process and journey to experience freedom from my addictions. The essence of the Twelve Steps is love and service, both to God and others. I call these encounters divine appointments. And today’s Gospel reading is a reminder of the importance of being of service to God and our neighbor.

“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do’” (Luke 17:7-10).

Reflection Question

• In what ways have you experienced being in the possession of the enemy and feeling the grips of death due to your addictions?
• How do your actions and service to God and others reflect your gratitude for your own sobriety and God’s divine mercy in your life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Gospel: Luke 17:7-10

Reflection by Marty T.