As Catholics pursuing recovery and seeking to deepen our faith, we share the same flaws and character defects that our brother disciples displayed in today’s Gospel. Jesus is continually calling us and making Himself known through the liturgy, the sacraments, and our daily prayer and devotional lives. In our recovery, Jesus reveals Himself to us in the words and deeds of our brothers and sisters in recovery—particularly in our Catholic in Recovery fellowship where Jesus fulfills His promise of manifesting when two or more are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). Despite these blessings and miraculous manifestations, we, too, have moments in our journey—particularly when life’s waters are choppy and uncertain—when we fail to recognize Jesus’ presence and give into fear.
Life in recovery challenges us to leave behind the remnants of our addictive past and seek healing and repair of our character defects and flaws, making amends for the damage we have caused. Recovery for practicing Catholics also requires repentance and penance in order to receive the grace necessary to open our minds and hearts to acknowledge Jesus’ presence in our daily journey. Responding in faith rather than fear, we can begin to live in confidence that we are beloved children of a God who reveals Himself more and more as we grow in faith and recovery.
Reflection Questions
- From your current perspective, in what ways did God reveal Himself in your addictive past? What barriers impede your ability to respond to Him?
- In your recovery, how has Jesus made Himself known to you and come to your aid in difficult and challenging moments?
Daily Catholic Readings
First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Gospel: John 6:16-21
Reflection by Mark L.