Today’s readings proclaim hope to us. In the first reading, Peter chastises the Jews who crucified Jesus but also lets them know Jesus is more powerful than death and that He has resurrected. He offers a message of hope. In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew transmits a powerful message of hope with the story of Mary Magdalene finding the empty tomb and meeting the resurrected Jesus.

As the Big Book states, “we were powerless [without God] over alcohol and no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.” While in my addiction, I never looked beyond a material and non-spiritual solution to my problem. I didn’t believe or have hope in the power of God. But as we see in the theme of today’s readings, death is not the end, and even the smallest glimmer of hope is all we need to turn toward God and the spiritual healing He offers.

Reflection Questions

• How has the virtue of hope supported you in choosing recovery or the maintenance of your sobriety?
• What does a truly “resurrected” Jesus mean for your life? How has this reality changed the way you live in the world?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

Reflection by Sober in San Antonio