This Sunday’s Gospel reading shares the vision of two people, Simeon and Anna, who represent the powerless and those, like us, who are totally dependent on a power greater than themselves. The light of Christ reveals hope, which is confirmed in Sunday’s second reading:

[Jesus] had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.

God, who breathed life into the world and crafted each of us, takes an active role in our recovery. Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, takes the burden of this transformation away from us and simply asks that we abandon our nets and follow Him.

In many ways, there is a temptation to think that we need to make a little bit of progress on our own before we come to Him for help. While it is true that God asks us to pick up the shovel while He moves mountains, our experience reminds us that we have fallen short and need Him to be a part of the entire process.

Those who have found a personal relationship with Christ have done so in a way that maintains honesty through prayer. If we want to fill ourselves with more of Him, we will need to empty ourselves of expectations and assumptions we’ve held prior to starting this journey.

There is an unusual amount of grace provided to us when we open the doors of honesty and humility, and Jesus goes to great lengths to grant us freedom, one day at a time. Often, we need to see someone model it first. We can turn to Scripture and the stories of others to see God being made known to us, just as His presentation in the Temple fulfilled the hope of those awaiting His light.

Reflection Questions

• How have your pride and ego gotten in the way of seeking help from God and others? What changed that prompted you to reach out for help?
• What value have you found in showing others who are new to recovery or who still suffer how you’ve been able to find help?
• What is keeping you from reaching out to others in recovery and connecting with your fellows in an honest way?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

Download virtual meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery