Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

Mary just learned that she was pregnant with the Messiah. As part of the angel’s message, she also learned that Elizabeth was six months pregnant, and she proceeded in haste to be of service to her older relative. She does not travel for the mere sake of curiosity or to discover if the angel is really telling the truth. Instead, she sets out to uncover more of God’s mystery and to do His will.

As we have been given peace and new life from the addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments that once dominated us, we can set out to do the same. In addition to helping ensure immunity from a relapse or acting out, service to others helps us stay close to the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. We are surrounded by cultural attitudes that cleverly assure us that Christmas is about getting things. Underneath this belief runs a current of scarcity that reminds us of all that we do not have.

When we are committed to understanding our role in the greater context of God’s kingdom, we find grace and blessings in abundance. Just as Mary came to understand her role in the story of salvation, we are awoken to our part in the same story. We might seek to pray alongside Mary as we proclaim the words, “May it be done to me according to Your word.”

The more we offer ourselves to the process of recovery, the more our lives will be filled with love and purpose. When our recovery is overlapped with the sacramental life of our faith, we get to know Jesus in an intimate and personal way.

We may be inclined to share glad tidings with those we encounter in the coming days as we turn to God for inspiration and hope. We have been offered a priceless gift of peace and freedom and find joy in the experience of sharing it with others.

Reflection Questions

• How are you preparing for the coming of Jesus while also anticipating things like expectations, potential family tensions, or a sense of loss? What spiritual tools will help you remain at peace and open to the will of God this holiday season?
• What inspires you to share peace and hope?
• Looking back on the past year, what growth and new life do you recognize taking place within you?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

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

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General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery