Day 84

In our recovery, or even before our days in recovery, how many times did we ask for forgiveness? From our spouse? Our children? Our friends? Our co-workers? The list could go on and on, but there have probably been a number of times we needed forgiveness. There were probably a number of times we needed not only God’s forgiveness but the forgiveness of others, namely our loved ones. There may have also been times when we needed to forgive so we could move on and no longer harbor a grudge that was keeping us from being free. God always provides forgiveness on His end when we ask Him, although we sometimes need to ask for it from others. But it is much easier to receive it when we also give it freely ourselves.

Thinking about the times we needed and received forgiveness helps us remember to forgive others when they need our love and compassion. Recalling that we have been in a similar situation, we can better forgive others as well as bring our brothers and sisters in recovery to our Lord. Let us focus on the times we have been forgiven and let us share that same Christ-like mercy with others. Let us forgive, as the Father has forgiven us.

Reflection Questions

• Consider times in your life when you have asked for forgiveness, whether during your amends process or otherwise. How did receiving forgiveness affect your recovery and faith?
• Is there someone in your life whom the Lord is asking you to forgive? If so, how might you do so—or start to do so—today?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62
Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Reflection by Jeff R.

(d.235) — Pontian was born in Rome and elected the 18th Pope in 230. Hippolytus was a priest, possibly a bishop, who may have been a student of Saint Irenaeus. Some sources cite Hippolytus as a claimant to be bishop of Rome, making him an antipope, but he was reconciled with the Church under Pope Pontian. Both were arrested in a persecution aimed at Church leaders under Emperor Maximinus Thrax and sentenced to work the mines on the island of Sardinia, where they died as martyrs.

It would take the very rare and very disturbed individual to pursue heresy or cause schism simply for the hatred of truth. Disagreements arise when individuals seek some perceived happiness that may be in conflict with the truth. In recovery, we cannot take the risk of placing a perceived pleasure or fleeting happiness ahead of what is true. It took fortitude for Saint Hippolytus to reconcile with Saint Pontian and make a sort of amends. Are you being called to do the same today?

Saint Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, pray for us, that we can find reconciliation in pursuit of truth, and that we can have the fortitude to make a stand for what is true. Amen.

Reflection by Brad Farmer