Through 12-step addiction recovery, we get a unique chance to witness our small acts of repentance be met with God’s mercy for us. When these two forces meet, spiritual growth takes place. Saint Augustine summarized this by suggesting we, “Pray as if everything depended on God; work as if everything depended on us.”

The Church recognizes the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This day concludes what is known as the Easter Octave and calls us to rejoice in the merciful love of God as it is revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel Reading this Sunday testifies to the peace that Jesus brings to our lives, overcoming fear and uncertainty:

On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked,
where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this,
he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

After Jesus’s Crucifixion, his disciples were hiding out hoping they wouldn’t be next. When Christ arrives, he simply offers a word of peace, shows the wounds of his death, and reminds them that they are to be sent out into the world. However, they will not be alone as the power of the Holy Spirit—which dwells in us today—will be their advocate.

We can find comfort in the support from others who have been in a similar situation and testify to the presence of God in their lives today. In a very Christian way, we gain trust when we’re privileged to see the wounds of those in our fellowship. With the witness of others, we can align with the spirit of Divine Mercy and proclaim, “Jesus, I trust in you!”

Reflection Questions

• What is it like for you to share honestly and openly in a Christian recovery fellowship?
• How have others shown their wounds to you and how has it been helpful?
• What actions, prayers, devotions, spiritual routines, or practices strengthen your trust in God on a regular basis?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
Gospel: John 20:19-31

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