The source of our eternal life is found in Jesus. We are given a tangible way to physically remain in his flesh and, as we recover, we begin to appreciate our participation in this grace-filled sacrament when we receive the Eucharist. We might also come to realize that we are capable of persevering more than we thought.

Step Ten gives us the tools to stay active in the grace we receive through the Eucharist by “continuing to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.” There is a spiritual principle of perseverance woven within this step that can be found when we continue to seek union with God. We remain humble, admit our powerlessness over addiction, take an honest inventory, share it with God and another human being, ask Him to remove our shortcomings, and make amends when it will bring healing and justice to situations we’ve harmed.

This may sound like a lifestyle that is unreachable. Perseverance does not come on our own self-will. Remember, you are not alone and will find the necessary support from the strength of God, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the group of individuals you find walking a similar journey. Even if you have not yet approached this stage of the Twelve Steps, there is still a lot of spiritual wisdom found in discussing these principles.

Diving further into the mystery of the Eucharist in his book Our One Great Act of Fidelity, Ronald Rolheiser explains:

“We participate in Jesus’ sacrifice for us when we, like him, let ourselves be broken down, when we, like him, become selfless. The Eucharist, as sacrifice, invites us to become like the kernels of wheat that make up the bread and the clusters of grapes that make up the wine, broken down and crushed so that we can become part of communal loaf and single cup…

What is supposed to happen at the Eucharist is that we, the congregation, by sacrificing the things that divide us, should become the body and blood of Christ. More so than the bread and wine, we, the people, are meant to be changed, to be transubstantiated. The Eucharist, as sacrifice, asks us to become the bread of brokenness and the chalice of vulnerability.”

Let us come together in the name of Jesus Christ and find unity in His Body and Blood, praying for the willingness to overcome fear and doubt. When we unite at the Eucharistic banquet, we recognize the great sacrifice of our Lord and share a common solution to our spiritual obstacles, one day at a time.

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced perseverance through personal challenges?
• How does the Eucharist strengthen your recovery?
  • Can you relate to the change—or transubstantiation—described by Ronald Rolheiser in this reflection?
• What hope do you feel called to share with others today?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Gospel: John 6:51-58

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

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