Day 59

The Lord commands Saint Paul to keep proclaiming Him: “Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10). I think this is a reminder to those of us who have received the gift of sobriety to “go on” and share the message of God’s infinite mercy with others. In a way similar to the woman from today’s Gospel reading, when we do this we “no longer [remember] the pain because of [our] joy” from now being in recovery. When we are open to sharing and living out the word of God, our crosses of addiction and unhealthy attachments ultimately lead us to be reborn in Christ.

Reflection Questions

• Are there go-to prayers or Bible verses that you can turn to when feelings of fear, self-pity, or judgmentalism arise?
• What are some ways you can share your testimony of God’s goodness in your life with others?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 18:9-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gospel: John 16:20-23

Reflection by Allison H.

(c.1070-1130) — Saint Isidore was a pious Spanish farmer from Madrid, married to Blessed Maria de la Cabeza. Their only son died young and they devoted their lives to prayer, helping the poor, and doing good works. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession and his body remains incorrupt (i.e. has not decayed). 

Saint Isidore was a hard worker and a very dedicated person of prayer. When people complained that he was spending too much time at the church instead of working on the farm, legend has it that angels were plowing his fields on his behalf. Which is more important? Consider the story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus. We can’t ignore or downplay the essential character of Step 11 and prayer in our recovery.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Reflection by Brad Farmer