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Day 23
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The Pathway to Recovery

Module 23 of 70

Day 23

To finish today's module, find time to pray, read through the reflections below, complete the five daily habits, attend a recovery meeting, and share what's on your heart and mind on today's discussion board.

PRAY

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it.

Trusting that You will make all things right,
if I surrender to Your will.

That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with You forever
in the next. Amen.

Third Step Prayer

God, I offer myself to Thee – to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life.
May I do Thy will always!

Discover more prayers to strengthen your recovery and faith.

REFLECT

Good evening, Friend
June 9
Daily Reflection
Saint of the Day
Daily Reflection
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day
Saint Ephrem of Syria, Doctor of the Church
Saint Ephrem of Syria, Doctor of the Church

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus calls us to our mission: we are to be salt in this world. The grace of God is like salt, bringing flavor to the dullness of life.

For years, perhaps, our substances fueled a fantasy world of excitement. We may at times think sobriety offers a dull experience of life compared to the “thrills” of our addictive lifestyle. But the reality is just the opposite.

The Holy Spirit makes us a light in this world, cutting through the darkness of despair. We are no longer hidden in the sadness of deceit and self-harm. Today, we walk in the light and without fear or shame. We can gaze upon Jesus face-to-face—eye-to-eye—with sorrow for our past but also with joy and gratitude for having been given a new beginning.

At one time, this was not so, and we were lost to our addiction, unhealthy attachment, or compulsion. But now we’ve joined our fellow Catholic brothers and sisters as we lift our heads in praise of God and in hope of heaven.

 

Reflection Questions

  • How was your addiction like a time of darkness for you? Despite moments of excitement, how did these short-lived experiences ultimately prove harmful or false?
  • What is your experience like being in a group of believers in CIR who understand your struggles because they have had the same or worse struggles themselves?

 

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection by Bill B.

View Full Reflections Calendar

Saint Ephrem of Syria, Doctor of the Church

Audio Reflection

(c.306-373) — Dubbed “the Harp of the Holy Spirit” for his excellent hymns and writings in praise of God, Ephrem lived in what was Mesopotamia, now called Syria and Turkey. Baptized at 18 and ordained a deacon late in life, he wrote a lot of apologetics, theology, Scripture commentary, and poetry, earning him the recognition as a Doctor of the Church. Saint Ephrem is the patron of spiritual directors.

“Ephrem’s reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 11/28/2007). The things we become addicted or attached to in unhealthy ways are not evil by themselves. The balance of right things in the right order (the virtue of temperance) was thrown off by our actions. Noting the unmanageability of such a state (Step 1), we strive to course correct. Acknowledging the world is not lost and God is in control, we turn to Him.

“Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven” (Saint Ephrem).

Reflection by Brad Farmer

Other Saints

Saint Medard, Bishop
Saint Medard, Bishop
June 8, 2025
Saint Anthony Mary Gianelli, Bishop
Saint Anthony Mary Gianelli, Bishop
June 7, 2025
Saint Norbert, Bishop
Saint Norbert, Bishop
June 6, 2025
Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
June 5, 2025
Saint Francis Caracciolo
Saint Francis Caracciolo
June 4, 2025
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs of Uganda
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs of Uganda
June 3, 2025
Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs
Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs
June 2, 2025
Saint Justin, Martyr
Saint Justin, Martyr
June 1, 2025
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
May 31, 2026

ACT

  • Practice the five daily habits:
    1. Start your day with prayer
    2. Attend a recovery meeting (click here to find a meeting)
    3. Connect with people in recovery outside of meetings
    4. Read some recovery literature and Scripture
    5. Give thanks to God at the end of the day

Discuss

Share your thoughts and connect with others on this journey.

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