Friday, February 20th

When active in our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, it’s hard to recall our baptismal call due to the loud demands to satisfy our flesh-driven cravings. Step 1 helps us unravel our addictive mindset, moving from chaos toward the light of reason. We move beyond the curtain of denial toward grace, bringing sure-footedness on solid ground. Step 2 keeps our eyes on Jesus and transforms our perspective. Step 3 helps us surrender, acknowledging Christ in our hearts and God’s precious gift to us—our identity as baptized children of the Father. In other words, by actively working Steps 1, 2, and 3, we begin participating in and accepting the precious promise of our baptism. May we recognize our baptismal promise today and “hear the word of God and act on it” so that we too may embody what we encounter in today’s first reading: “Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it” (Proverbs 21:1).

Reflection Questions

• How have Steps 1, 2, and 3 helped you to embrace God’s will for your life? How have they helped you recognize the power of your baptism?
• What unhealthy attachments are blocking the light of Christ within you? What can you do today to reclaim that light?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Proverb 21:1-6, 10-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

Reflection by Karen D.

(d.c.287) — Maurice was the commander of the Theban Legion, soldiers from Upper Egypt in the Roman Empire, who were called in to put down a revolt in modern-day Switzerland. According to legend, the entire legion, consisting of up to 6,600 men, refused to offer sacrifice to pagan gods and to the emperor before going into battle, and they refused to slaughter the people there. Emperor Maximian decimated the legion (had every tenth person executed), and when they continued to refuse, he massacred the entire legion.

Saint Maurice and his legion exemplify fortitude. The virtue of fortitude is standing up for the right thing as well as perseverance through what is difficult for the sake of the good. How are we growing in fortitude in recovery?

“We are your soldiers, O emperor, but God’s servants…We owe military service to you, but just living to Him…No way can we follow an emperor in this, a command for us to deny God our Father, especially since our Father is your God and Father whether you like it or not” (Saint Maurice as quoted by Saint Eucharius, Bishop of Lyons, successor of Saint Irenaeus).

Reflection by Brad Farmer