This Sunday’s first reading is one we are likely familiar with – God appears to Moses through fire flaming out of a bush. “As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed.” Moses gets closer to this remarkable sight and, as he does, God calls him by name.

This reading offers significant insight into the presence of God in our journey out of the darkness of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. He calls each one of us by name. The Third Step invites us to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. Like the burning bush, we can be fully assumed by God’s presence while neither being consumed nor experiencing destruction. As the Book of Exodus continues, we learn that God cannot be limited to a finite category or definition:

Moses said to God, “But when I go to the Israelites
and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’
if they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?”
God replied, “I am who am.”
Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites:
I AM sent me to you.”

God knows our suffering and promises freedom from the captivity of our addictions and compulsions. He tells Moses that He will lead His people out of the desert and into a land flowing with milk and honey. He wants the same for us and has shown us a new way. However, our collective minds have been twisted to simplify and contain the identity of God.

The closer we allow God to us, the more we radiate. Yet, when we get caught up in our own self-righteous behavior and thinking, our lives become consumed. We end up alone and lost. Lent is a season of change and repentance, offering an opportunity to let Jesus Christ enter fully into our lives.

Through disclosure of our shortcomings and coming to believe that no human power can relieve us of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we make room for the mystical presence of God to act within us. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Pope Benedict’s inaugural address reiterates this and concludes, “Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life.”

Reflection Questions

• What are some of the things you have feared might be taken away from you as you allow Jesus to enter your life? Have the results differed from your expectations?
• How do you relate to the fear and amazement of encountering God through a spiritual experience like a burning bush?
• How are you meeting Christ in the sacraments and 12-step recovery during this season of Lent?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

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

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