Furthermore, Saint Paul shares his reflection on the grace of God at work in his life:

For I am the least of the apostles,
not fit to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, a
nd his grace to me has not been ineffective.
Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;
not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.

Paul acknowledges an important aspect of Christian spirituality and 12-step recovery. Namely, the good work we might do can only be accomplished when God moves first. Our cooperation with grace allows Him to work more effectively within us so that we may be transformed. We cannot be the same as we once were if we are to enter into deep spiritual waters.

Finally, this Sunday’s Gospel reading tells of Jesus entering the boat of a fisherman, Peter (at the time named Simon). As Jesus often does, He enters without asking first. He then says, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Peter’s response implies doubt that they will find any fish but follows the will of the Lord anyway. They bring in so many fish that they need help from another boat. Peter’s foundation is shaken:

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

When we experience the grace of God in our own recovery journey, it may be overwhelming. God brings comfort to the afflicted and calls us to share the message with others, just as He did for Isaiah, Paul, and Peter. In recovery from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we have a unique calling to help those who still suffer in a similar way that we once did. This Sunday’s Gospel reading concludes:

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.

The Lord comes into our lives by way of grace, shakes us at our foundation, forgives us of our sins, and calls us to take part in His mission. Like Isaiah, are we ready to say, “Here I am—send me!” when grace enters our boat?

Reflection Questions

• How do you relate to the experience of either Isaiah, Paul, or Peter? What doom, doubt, or dismay have you overcome since entering recovery?
• What fears or obstacles are permitting you from cooperating with the grace of God?
• How do you invite and cooperate with God’s grace on a daily, weekly, or regular basis?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 11
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

Download virtual meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery