It is prudent that we learn from the apostles’ eagerness to serve as we make ourselves available to our brothers and sisters desperate for hope and freedom from the bondage of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Spending time in Scripture, we can see how the apostles’ boldness brought Christian faith to all corners of the globe.

We celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday. The Gospel reading reveals the last moment of Jesus’ resurrected life with His disciples, giving us a vision of what we can expect when we, too, reach the end of our earthly life if we keep the faith (Luke 24:50-53):

Then he led them out as far as Bethany,
raised his hands, and blessed them.
As he blessed them he parted from them
and was taken up to heaven.
They did him homage
and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
and they were continually in the temple praising God.

Whether embarking upon our first month of recovery or counting decades, we get an opportunity to return to the truth that is God’s word. In our recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive eating behaviors, gambling, lust and love addiction, internet and technology addiction, codependency, and other unhealthy attachments, we get the unique opportunity to experience a past that keeps us moving toward a brighter future. We know the depths and darkness of what the world has to offer, and today we choose a life rooted in Christ.

God is our answer. As faithful Catholics, we get to experience Him in the sacraments of healing and forgiveness. He surrounds us in the body of Christ, which makes up our fellowship. We are in the world but not of the world, and we can make a home here while remaining in God and seeking to do His will. While doing so, we look forward to the day when we’ll share in Christ’s joy completely.

Reflection Questions

• How has 12-step recovery helped you form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
• How has desperation fueled your recovery, and how do you remain committed when that desperation fades?
• How do you experience hope, freedom, and joy in recovery? Contrast that with your experience in active addiction, compulsion, or unhealthy attachment.

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

Download virtual meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery