When we were in the grip of our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments we certainly needed a message of hope and joy. Whether we wanted to hear it or not, we also needed to hear that the path we were on was not a good one—it was a path that would not lead us to joy. Perhaps we may have had a John the Baptist in our lives who helped us realize this. His or her message was probably not easy to deliver, either. Yet, they came into our lives and delivered it for our benefit, bringing the good news of recovery to us.

The John the Baptist of our particular lives may have initially asked us to prepare for a better life of freedom and sobriety by joining recovery. In this way, he or she prepared us for an encounter with our true Higher Power—Jesus. For as we know, it is Jesus who helps us do for ourselves what we could not do. It is Jesus who helps us find freedom from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments when we surrender to Him. Let’s be grateful today for the John the Baptists of our lives for their role in preparing our encounter with Christ just as John the Baptist did for those during Jesus’ time.

Reflection Questions

• When was the moment of your new (sober) covenant with the Lord? How have you grown in your relationship with the Lord since?
• Who was your John the Baptist? How did he or she prepare you for an encounter with the Lord and a new life of sobriety?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Reflection by Jeff R.