As Catholics in recovery, we must answer the question posed by Jesus in today’s Gospel reading if we are to fully embrace the Twelve Steps and meet all of its demands. We must know and acknowledge who our Higher Power is. As Catholics who pursue freedom from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, it is not sufficient, nor desirable, to think of our Higher Power in vague and nebulous terms. Meaningful progress in recovery for Catholics is derived from placing ourselves in the care of the Holy Trinity. At various times, it is the Holy Spirit who guides and leads us to do “the next right thing.” At other times, it is placing ourselves before God the Father to begin to understand our role as His beloved children. Still, other occasions call us to spend time in prayer with Jesus so we can experience His accompaniment, knowing that He lived a fully human existence and experienced the ups and downs of life just as we do. As Catholics pursuing recovery, we are blessed with a richness of faith regarding who our Higher Power is. Let us take full advantage of that knowledge and utilize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as we move forward in our recovery in this up-and-down journey of life.

Reflection Questions

• How have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each uniquely impacted your 12-step journey?
• How do the various “seasons” of life and the ups and downs of living impact and direct your call to live out the Steps?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4
Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Reflection by Mark L.