In today’s Gospel reading, we read of Elizabeth’s prayerful exclamation to her cousin Mary when she realizes who dwells in her womb: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). 

As we have been preparing for the arrival of the Christ child these weeks of Advent, today’s readings lead me to reflect on when I experienced a similar joy in my life upon entering the rooms of recovery. This newfound joy to those of us new to recovery is often called the “pink cloud.” It was a time of great rejoicing, and I started to experience the fruits of sobriety. No longer waking up hungover, I no longer had to tap every ounce of courage and strength I could muster just to get to work and appear productive. And as I continued to walk the road of sobriety, I began to look forward to and experience a new life. For those of us in recovery, let us pause today and reflect on the moment we handed our lives over to God in recovery and first began to “sing joyfully” to God for His healing and grace.

Reflection Questions

• Did you experience the “pink cloud” as you began your recovery journey? If so, how might you reflect on that experience to help sustain your recovery today?
• What gifts in your life can you “sing joyfully” about to God?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Reflection by Kevin S.