The next two weeks are meant to prepare a path for the Lord to enter our lives and make all things new. As the season of Advent moves along, we will dive further into themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. These are the fruits of setting our sights on the coming of Christ.

Our preparation includes making room for God to be our guide and protector. Often that means unlearning the things that we think we know about ourselves, our condition, and God so that we may be open to a new experience of all these things.

Our journey may not always be smooth, and this week it is implied that Jesus will pave a new way of life for us. Those who have developed a personal relationship with Christ have witnessed this necessary realignment.

Admitting powerlessness over our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments moves us toward recognizing our need for God’s presence. Our lives had become unmanageable, and we needed a new set of directions to prepare for the road of recovery. We do this by getting honest with ourselves, others, and God. With humble anticipation, we come to believe that He can restore us (both as individuals and as a collective people) to communion with Him.

The second and third weeks of Advent feature John the Baptist as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. John preaches the theme of metanoia, which is the changing of one’s attitude or the shifting of our life’s story. In recovery, we refer to this as a spiritual awakening.

As we prepare our way, we recognize that our addictive and compulsive behaviors—whether centered around alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, technology relationships, or other attachments—have been but a symptom of our spiritual condition. Removal of our addictions and unhealthy attachments is but a step in the process of preparing ourselves for the coming of Jesus.

Ralph Waldo Emerson noted, “There are three wants which never can be satisfied: that of the rich, who wants something more; that of the sick, who wants something different; and that of the traveler, who says anywhere but here.” It is from this discontented nature of our desires that the Twelve Steps and sacraments set us free.

Reflection Questions

• How is God straightening the path, filling in valleys, and lowering mountains along your journey of recovery?
• How are you noticing themes of hope, love, joy, and peace in your life?
• What kind of attitude changes or metanoia have you experienced in recovery?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 7
Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Family & Friends Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Men’s Lust Recovery Reflection

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