Having someone to share our beliefs makes it easier to believe. In addition, as we share a common Spirit, that Spirit will shine out from us and attract others who may still suffer from loneliness and despair.

From John’s Gospel on Easter Sunday:

“Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him,  he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first,  and he saw and believed” (John 20:3-8).

It is significant that two disciples run together to the empty tomb. Of course, the beloved disciple got to the tomb first, where he “saw and believed” in Jesus’ resurrection. But he was not alone long. Peter got there, and the first disciple’s belief in Jesus’ new life got a lot stronger when Peter arrived. Together—with each other and with Jesus—they outgrew their fear and became conscious of His presence.

We have new opportunity and hope as an Easter people. One Catholic in Recovery member, who was baptized and confirmed into the Church at Easter, reflecting on the life-changing truth of the risen Christ, shared, “Everything has changed. Totally. Forever. He is risen.”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ continues to propel the growth of Christian communities and fellowships. While Jesus entered into the way of self-sacrifice and surrender to overcome death, He rose to bring new life to each of us. As people in recovery, we can find strength in His resurrection: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life,” and “We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin” (Romans 6:4,6).

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced resurrection as a part of your recovery and personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
• How have you witnessed isolation and loneliness transform into freedom and unity?
• In what ways have your fears been outgrown and death thrown aside?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9

Download printable meeting reflections (Holy Week):
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

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Family & Friends Recovery
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Download printable meeting reflections (Easter Sunday):
General Recovery

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