The spiritual healing that comes from the Twelve Steps and our sacraments offers us healing from the wounds and the ensuing lies by getting us out of our heads and breaking open our hearts. But how do we get from point A to point B? The distance from the head to the heart is only about 18 inches but can feel like the distance to the summit of Everest in the effort required.                  

In our reading from Romans, Paul tells us “not through the law” will we inherit the world “but through the righteousness that comes from faith” (Romans 4:13). The law is something written, tangible, but faith is that which we cannot see and have difficulty defining. We rediscovered faith in the second step when we came to believe. It is a spiritual awakening. It is when we realize and begin to admit we are not God and we cannot cure ourselves. Left to our own devices, our brains will kill us. But there is a power, our God, who can restore our sanity and replace the lies with the truth of God’s love.

Through prayer and meditation, we empty our minds of negative thinking and then our hearts can be broken open to receive God’s redeeming love. With our minds cleansed and hearts open, our bodies are free to let go of addictions, compulsions, and disordered desires. We experience a spiritual awakening and are ready to continue working the steps and fully engaging in the beauty of the sacraments. We stop living in addiction and we live the whole and holy life God has called us to live.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect on your “rock bottom.” How can recalling this inspire you in your recovery journey today?
• What areas of your heart do you still need to surrender to God? What steps can you take today to do so?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43
Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Reflection by Kathryn A.