But Jesus tells us today, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Mark 10:17-27). And just like the man’s response in Scripture, our faces fall too because we are afraid of letting go of our destructive behaviors! Our faces also fall because doing such a thing seems impossible. In fact, Jesus says as much: “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God” (Mark 10:17-27). 

The good news is that for God all things are possible, including finding freedom from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. With His help, we can trust that we will never see those “Egyptians” again in our lives that only brought destruction and suffering. Letting go and “giving away everything” doesn’t refer only to material goods. It also refers to the clutter we have in our lives that harm our souls. Living a sober life requires that we let go of those “possessions” that keep us from God. By practicing our program, especially Steps 6 and 7, we find that God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves because all things are possible for Him. And we find that living a simple, honest, and fruitful life is more rewarding and brings much more happiness than we ever imagined.

Reflection Questions

• What things are you still holding onto that are in the way of God working fully in your life? Reflect on what God has done for you that you could not do for yourself.
• How have Steps 6 and 7 helped you develop awareness and acceptance as well as commit to action?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c
Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.