So many times in our own lives, especially when in the grips of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we hid behind a façade, unable or unwilling to face the truth of our unclean soul. We refused to see ourselves as others saw us. We refused to see ourselves through the eyes of Jesus, who sees and knows the truth about us. Instead, we remained hypocrites. The term “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word for “play actor.” Isn’t that what we were doing at the height of our addictions, play-acting? Didn’t we take on the role of having it all together, of being in control and running the show? In reality, we were only hiding. Hiding behind these roles that we created and played to keep from admitting and doing something about our addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment.

Jesus helps us step out of these false roles and into the open. He helps us shake off these façades and come into the light, which is His truth. He tells us, “Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean” (Matthew 23:25). He asks us to clean our souls, which is exactly what we do when we work the Twelve Steps and frequent the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us hold firm to these practices to keep our insides clean before the Lord, just as Saint Paul exhorts us in today’s first reading: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.”

Reflection Questions

• When did you realize the Lord was inviting you to give up a “role” forged by your addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment? What new identity was Christ calling you to embrace instead?
• What “traditions” from 12-step recovery and the Church do you hold fast to in order to keep your interior clean before the Lord?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3A, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Reflection by Jeff R.