Day 70

This insight is reiterated in Chapter 5 of the Big Book, which reads, “God could and would if he were sought” (Alcoholics Anonymous). Are we seeking God today in all that we do? Or are we seeking the approval of others? This is why it’s important to continually examine our motives with a daily moral inventory. And when our motives are to please God, we find that God blesses us abundantly, gracing us with relief from our addictions and unhealthy attachments. 

Reflection Questions

• Do you have a conscious contact with God? How can you involve God in all of your decisions today?
• What gifts from recovery and the Church can you use to ensure you’re seeking God in all that you do?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Reflection by Jana I.

(1515-1595) — Saint Philip had a stunning mystical experience in his late twenties on the vigil of Pentecost. While praying in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, he encountered a glowing ball of light that entered his chest. He experienced a supernatural love and a physically enlarged heart cavity. Philip was a very popular confessor and was known as a living saint with miracles surrounding his life. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory and was always known for his joyful disposition.

Known as the Apostle of Rome during the Counter-Reformation period, Saint Philip is also commonly called the Apostle of Joy. His joy sprang from the infinite spring of supernatural love, a gift of the Holy Spirit. Do we make a point of intentionally being joy-filled, pausing to express our gratitude to God? 

“Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful, if only you stand fast” (Saint Philip Neri).

Reflection by Brad Farmer