The Lord commands Saint Paul to keep proclaiming Him: “Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10). I think this is a reminder to those of us who have received the gift of sobriety to “go on” and share the message of God’s infinite mercy with others. In a way similar to the woman from today’s Gospel reading, when we do this we “no longer [remember] the pain because of [our] joy” from now being in recovery. When we are open to sharing and living out the word of God, our crosses of addiction and unhealthy attachments ultimately lead us to be reborn in Christ.

Reflection Questions

• Are there go-to prayers or Bible verses that you can turn to when feelings of fear, self-pity, or judgmentalism arise?
• What are some ways you can share your testimony of God’s goodness in your life with others?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 18:9-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gospel: John 16:20-23

Reflection by Allison H.