Day 2

After he shared this, the room encouraged him to focus on keeping his sobriety the priority or, to quote Zig Ziglar, on “keeping the main thing the main thing.” The room encouraged him to establish personal and emotional boundaries with his friend and to tell him that if he couldn’t accept and respect those boundaries that their relationship couldn’t continue.

Jesus kept his focus on the singular goal of His salvific mission. He did not allow anyone or anything to detract Him from this—even the threat of death. As we read elsewhere in Scripture, “Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). Like Jesus, our mission in recovery is to keep our “face like flint” to maintain sobriety and our relationship with God. If we lose this main focus then we risk losing our recovery and connection with our loving Father.

Reflection Questions

• Are there people in your life who are impeding your recovery? If so, are there actions you can take to ensure these relationships no longer pose a risk?
• What boundaries might you need to establish with others in your life to keep your focus on your recovery? What new spiritual practices can you adopt to keep this same focus?
  

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18
Gospel: John 5:17-30

Reflection by Kevin S.

(315-386) — Cyril was born in Jerusalem, received an excellent education centered on biblical studies, and became a priest. He was made bishop of Jerusalem and soon came into conflict with the Metropolitan of Caesarea for his stance against the Arian heresy. He was exiled three times for his opposition, once on the fake charge of selling church furniture. Cyril was to play an important role at the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople. His witness and writings have gained him the titles of Father and Doctor of the Church.

Cyril wrote a masterful series of catechesis (teaching) for those coming into the church. Speaking of these writings, Pope Benedict XVI said in a General Audience on June 27, 2007, “This is an integral catechesis which, involving body, soul and spirit – remains emblematic for the catechetical formation of Christians today.” What do you find to be the best teaching tools for your faith and your recovery?

“Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words” (Saint Cyril of Jerusalem).

Reflection by Brad Farmer