In the Joyful Mysteries we see much of Mary’s Immaculate Heart revealed. The Annunciation, with Mary’s decision to completely trust and surrender to God’s will, is evocative of Step 3, the first real act of sacrificial love we make in recovery and perhaps in our entire lives, and without which nothing truly good will happen. The Visitation, with Mary’s faith manifesting in selfless action, is evocative of Step 12 with its call to serve others, the capstone and enduring mission of recovery. The Nativity, when Mary gives birth to God in an utterly unremarkable place and in the midst of utterly mean conditions, is evocative of the absolute necessity for humility as the cornerstone of all recovery. The Presentation, with Mary’s obedience to God’s law, is evocative of our discipline and obedience in “working our program,” following the teachings of the Church, and staying close to Christ in prayer and the sacraments. And The Finding, when Mary’s desolation and fear are met with Jesus’ consolation and reassurance, is evocative of the same gifts we receive when we persevere in devotion to our Higher Power.

We can also ponder Mary’s Immaculate Heart by considering her terrible suffering at the foot of the cross where she beheld her brutalized, desecrated Son until the bitter end. Mary did not flee this terrifying spectacle. Rather, she compassionately accompanied Him, offering her powerlessness and trust to her son in that horrible moment. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Is it not the case that often the only things we have to offer Christ in our traumas, sufferings, sorrows, and addictions are our powerlessness and trust? Isn’t that precisely what Our Savior “thirsts” for from the cross (see John 19: 28), illustrating His infinite desire to imbibe our sins, our addictions, our despair, and thereby transform our brokenness and heal our souls in His mercy and love?

Scripture reads that Mary “kept/pondered/treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). Let us follow her contemplative example as we too keep, ponder, and treasure in our hearts God’s sacrificial, providential, and merciful love in our lives. And let us always heed Mary’s loving and wise admonition, emanating from the depths of her Immaculate Heart, which she proclaimed at the Wedding Feast at Cana, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

“Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart” (Gospel Acclamation).

Holy Mary, Mother of God, in your Immaculate Heart, pray for us!

Reflection Questions

• How do you keep, ponder, and treasure God’s Love in your life in recovery?
• How do you understand the vocation and enduring purpose of your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22
Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Reflection by Pete S.