A 12-step program united with Christ also offers us a path of blessing as beloved children of God. Working the steps with a sponsor in a slow and thorough way helps us overcome our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments so that we are free physically, emotionally, and spiritually to love and serve God and our neighbor. The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W. and Dr. Bob (as they are affectionately known), laid the groundwork for this new and radical way of getting and staying sober that echoes the Beatitudes that we read about in today’s Gospel reading. By being in fellowship with others in recovery meetings, serving our neighbor as best we can with an “attitude of gratitude,” and continually surrendering our lives to God’s providential care, we can experience within our hearts the Kingdom of Heaven.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on the Beatitudes as the “law of the heart”? How does this change your understanding of how God calls us to live as we work our recovery?
- How might you intentionally apply one of the Beatitudes to your life today?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Reflection by Loretta L.