In recovery, Jesus feeds us with Himself—His healing love, power, and grace. But He chooses to do this through and in community. When we enter a meeting, we encounter someone sharing their story, offering a kind word, or simply listening. These small gestures of love and kindness nourish us and, often without us realizing, we begin to experience the transformative power of fellowship. We are drawn out of the pride, self-focus, and isolation that is the hallmark of addiction and into a participation in love. We become aware of others’ pain and, empowered by Christ’s love, we become willing to share more of ourselves. We reach out—offering a listening ear, inviting someone to coffee, or even sponsoring them. Like the apostles, we continuously distribute the abundance of Jesus’ grace and love to each other. These humble offerings—moving beyond self toward love of others—bring much personal healing and countless graces. In these simple yet profound exchanges, Jesus transforms a group of strangers seeking relief from addiction into the fellowship of recovery and members of His body.

Reflection Questions

• Like Adam and Eve in the first reading, we often “hide” from God and others. How have you experienced this as a result of your addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments?
• Call to mind someone who helped you in recovery with an act of love or kindness. What effect did this have on you? How can you bring a “simple small offering” like that into your recovery group today?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13
Gospel: Mark 8:1-10

Reflection by Ann A.