Day 13

So many times in our own lives, especially when in the grips of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we hid behind a façade, unable or unwilling to face the truth of our unclean soul. We refused to see ourselves as others saw us. We refused to see ourselves through the eyes of Jesus, who sees and knows the truth about us. Instead, we remained hypocrites. The term “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word for “play actor.” Isn’t that what we were doing at the height of our addictions, play-acting? Didn’t we take on the role of having it all together, of being in control and running the show? In reality, we were only hiding. Hiding behind these roles that we created and played to keep from admitting and doing something about our addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment.

Jesus helps us step out of these false roles and into the open. He helps us shake off these façades and come into the light, which is His truth. He tells us, “Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean” (Matthew 23:25). He asks us to clean our souls, which is exactly what we do when we work the Twelve Steps and frequent the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us hold firm to these practices to keep our insides clean before the Lord.

Reflection Questions

• When did you realize the Lord was inviting you to give up a “role” forged by your addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment? What new identity was Christ calling you to embrace instead?
• What “traditions” from 12-step recovery and the Church do you hold fast to in order to keep your interior clean before the Lord?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Reflection by Jeff R.

(1214-1270) — Louis IX was, naturally, the son of King Louis VIII, and became King of France at age 11. His mother ruled as regent for 11 years, and Louis reigned another 44. He was married at 19 and had 11 children. Saint Louis privately spent long hours in prayer, doing penance, and fasting, and he was known for his charity. He built hospitals, promoted Christianity, aided religious orders, and led two crusades, dying in the second.

Saint Louis didn’t count his position in the world as an advantage over others, but rather a duty to serve. Being fortunate enough to have “had a spiritual awakening,” our duty is to “carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs” (Step 12).

“If the Lord has permitted you to have some trial, bear it willingly and with gratitude, considering that it has happened for your good and that perhaps you well deserved it. If the Lord bestows upon you any kind of prosperity, thank him humbly and see that you become no worse for it, either through vain pride or anything else, because you ought not to oppose God or offend him in the matter of his gifts” (Saint Louis IX).

Reflection by Brad Farmer