Easter Sunday
To complete today's challenge, find time to prayerfully read through the reflections below, attend a recovery meeting, and share what's on your heart and mind on today's discussion board.
REFLECT
After reading today's reflections, make sure to listen to Scott W.'s personal reflection.
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.
Saint Ephrem of Syria, Doctor of the Church
(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
Discuss
Share your thoughts and connect with others on this journey.
Scott W. shares about his first glimmer of Christ's Resurrection when in the throes of alcoholism and drug addiction. How have you experienced resurrection and new life in your recovery?
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Your reflection today has given me renewed hope!
Christ has risen! Hallelujah!!