The Gospel Acclamation conveys a deep wisdom about what conversion in recovery should look like: “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). What does poverty of spirit actually entail? It means self-sacrifice, detachment from material possessions, humble dependence on God, self-donation in corporal and spiritual works of mercy, joyful and trusting acceptance of trials and suffering, and prioritizing one’s relationship with God in all things. It means renouncing the relentless pursuit of power, pleasure, honor, and wealth—the roots of all sin and addiction. And at its core, poverty of spirit is a radical relinquishment of all “self-preserving” motivations or tendencies not in conformity with God’s will. In other words, it means total surrender and trust. It is why we pray, “Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will” (Step Three Prayer).

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, has this to say about poverty of spirit: “When the masters of the spiritual life speak of poverty in spirit, they generally understand it in a twofold sense. In the restricted sense it means a detachment of the heart from earthly possessions. In the broad sense, by poverty in spirit they mean detachment from everything earthly, no matter what it may be. In this sense, poverty in spirit is necessary for all who are striving after perfection…Our detachment from the things of this earth is proved by our resignation to the Will of God…we possess the spirit of detachment when we are ready to sacrifice everything we have—riches, honors, dignities, position—in short, every temporal advantage, rather than offend God” (The School of Christian Perfection).

Metaphorically speaking, you might think of “poverty of spirit” as a state of being like an electrical circuit that allows the free flow of electricity. It allows God’s divine power and grace to flow into us and through us for our salvation and the salvation of others. We come to this state through authentic reception of the sacraments, listening to the Word of God, prayer, service of others, and following the Twelve Steps. In this way, one day at a time, we come to resist less and less God’s will for us through the progressive renunciation of our self-will. We are transformed into faithful, humble, and obedient conduits of God’s Presence and Power.

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

Reflection Questions

• How were the idols of your addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments spiritually ruinous to your life and your relationships, especially your relationship with God? What idols of attachment are still preventing your total surrender to God in the service of sacrificial love?
• Describe ways you have learned in recovery to practice self-detachment. What has helped and what hasn’t?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Judges 2:11-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab and 44
Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

Reflection by Pete S.