Eventually, I worked the Steps with a sponsor who told me that I would have to “give my recovery away if I wanted to keep it,” which meant that I would need to eventually have to sponsor and help others in recovery for the sake of maintaining my sobriety. Since then, I have been on many “12-step calls,” visiting people in hospitals, jails, and other institutions, as well as sponsoring new people in recovery and taking them through the Steps. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone else get the same hope and healing that I once received when I was new in recovery. As a result, I have continued to “find” recovery as I “give it away” through service. As long as we continue to love and serve others in recovery, as Saint Paul reminds us today, we can maintain our recovery and, perhaps, even entertain angels in disguise.
Reflection Questions
- What was your experience like of being served and treated with hospitality early in your recovery? How did that help you make progress in your recovery?
- What have you done, or what could you do, to help serve others who are new to recovery? How does this help ensure your own long-lasting sobriety in recovery?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc
Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
Reflection by Marty T.