Saint Peter offers a word of strength and courage to new Christians while reminding us of the effect of our baptism in this Sunday’s Second Reading:

Christ suffered for sins once,
the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous,
that he might lead you to God.
Put to death in the flesh,
he was brought to life in the Spirit.
In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison,
who had once been disobedient
while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark,
in which a few persons, eight in all,
were saved through water.
This prefigured baptism, which saves you now.
It is not a removal of dirt from the body
but an appeal to God for a clear conscience,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
who has gone into heaven
and is at the right hand of God,
with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

The coming weeks prepare the way for new Christians to enter the Church through baptism. Those who have already received baptism are called to renew their vows and accompany the faithful celebrating the sacraments of initiation. This movement begins on Ash Wednesday, as the ashes we receive are a reminder of the humility required for a personal encounter with Jesus.

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” are words that may be spoken as we receive ashes this week. In other cases, we may hear the words that Christ speaks in this week’s Gospel: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

The season of Lent is an opportune time to get back to basics and reestablish spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, and sharing our resources. Basically, this is a chance to trust God, clean house, and help others. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top. As Saint Mother Theresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Reflection Questions

• How have you found unity and connection among others in recovery?
• How has God protected and transformed you through the highs and lows of life?
• How are you planning to seek a renewal of faith and commitment during the season of Lent?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
Family & Friends Recovery
Printable Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection

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