Pharaoh, the Israelites, and the scribes and Pharisees all exhibit a propensity for suspicion, doubt, fear, and defiance. These same traits manifest in the character defects of the addictive person and result in a multitude of attitudes and behaviors we in recovery must contend with each day. The voice of God is all around us to provide the necessary guidance but we must make a decision to listen for it and respond. It may be a passing thought to do “the next right thing.” It may be reflecting on something someone has said at a recent meeting that persists in our thoughts. It may be taking “Good Orderly Direction” from our sponsor, even when we think it is pointless or irrelevant. The voice of God manifests in ordinary and organic ways all the time, and for some of us in quite remarkable and miraculous ways. If today we hear His voice, let us open our hearts and respond to it by embracing a life of healing and recovery!

Reflection Questions

• How do your prayer life, recovery fellowship, and spiritual reading and reflection provide ways to hear God’s voice throughout the day?
• What are some character defects you face that cause a “deafness” to God’s voice of healing, comfort, and hope?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Exodus 14:5-18
Responsorial Psalm: Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

Reflection by Mark L.