Like the crippled man in today’s reading, for many years I was crippled by my addictions and begging for handouts—sometimes literally! These men of recovery, like Peter and John, offered me something better. They offered me the ability to stand up and walk on my own two feet. Like many who found hope and freedom in the Twelve Steps, I rejoiced then and continue to rejoice in seeking and finding God.

Once we’ve experienced hope and freedom from the crippling effects of addiction, we get to share it with others who have been crippled by their own addictions. Like the two disciples on their walk to Emmaus who encountered Christ, we too trudge the road of happy destiny seeking to bring freedom to others. And we too often experience what they did after they recognized that their companion was the Lord Himself—that burning sensation of happiness, joy, and freedom. It’s this same sensation we experience as we walk with others on the 12-step path to hope and freedom from our addictions.

Reflection Questions

• How have your addictions, compulsions, and/or unhealthy attachments crippled you in the past? Who were the people in recovery, like the two apostles in today’s first reading, who offered you freedom?
• When have you experienced the warm and burning sensation of Jesus’ love and presence in your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

Reflection by Marty T.