While it is true that God never abandons us, He will withdraw His graces from us if we do not embrace humility as the way to recovery and conversion. The Psalmist writes, “My people did not listen to my voice; Israel would have none of me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels” (Psalm 81:13-14). And Saint Paul attests, “For although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened…Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (Romans 1: 21, 24). Our Lord will give us over to what we desire even if it damages or severs our relationship with Him, not because He condones our evil or desires our degradation in habitual addictive sin. Rather, out of sheer love for us, He will unfailingly respect our freedom. The saints understood this relationship very well, especially Saint Padre Pio who wrote, “Stay with me Lord, for it is necessary to have you present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon you.”

Only when the Israelites repented of their ingratitude did God provide healing and reconciliation. He used their experience of suffering and contrition for sin as the very pathway to restoring communion with Him. This is what we do in our own spiritual life when we work the steps and remain nourished in the Word, sacraments, prayer, and service. This is how our suffering in effect becomes redemptive. The word exaltation signifies the act of raising someone in rank, power, dignity, or character. The wonderful paradox of recovery is that the humble, the meek, and the poor in spirit are the ones exalted and glorified with Christ and promised the Kingdom of Heaven. Only with surrender, repentance, and humility can we be raised with Christ out of the darkness of our pride and exult in the gifts of His love and mercy. Therein lies our dignity as beloved children of God. Let us therefore always be grateful!

Reflection Questions

• How were you “forgetful” of God’s power and presence in your life before recovery? How do you struggle with this tendency in your recovery today?
• Give examples of how you are exalted with Christ in the crosses you carry daily in recovery. The above quote from Saint Padre Pio is known as the “Stay with me Lord” prayer. Pray this powerful prayer and reflect on what it means to you and your recovery.

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Numbers 21:4b-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: John 3:13-17

Reflection by Pete S.