“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
As most of us are when confronted with the magnificence of God’s plan for us, Mary questions how this could possibly be true. Similar to what we find along the road of recovery, the angel promises that she will be supported by others along the way. In fact, her cousin, Elizabeth, has also experienced a miraculous spiritual experience, proving that nothing is impossible for God.
The Lord did not march into the world in a display of power and might, as many were expecting Him to. Rather, He was welcomed into the world by the grace of a humble woman:
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
When faced with this amazing proposition, our Lord’s Mother responds with the peace and serenity that comes with being protected by God. As we stay active in our recovery from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we will be faced with moments when God asks us to bring the hope of new life to others. This may not be convenient and we may not feel prepared, but He will provide us support and grace along the way.
Gathering in fellowship provides us a special opportunity to learn from the experience, strength, and hope of each other. The Virgin Mary found similar support from those who sent messages from God as she began her spiritual journey as the Mother of God. Let us each show the same willingness to reflect on the magnificence of the Lord as we hear in this Sunday’s Gospel Reading:
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you recognized that “the Lord is with you” along your recovery from addiction, compulsive behavior, and unhealthy attachments?
- How do you respond to God’s invitation to bring the hope of new life to others?
- What action are you willing to take in the new year to deepen your faith and recovery?
Sunday Mass Readings
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Family & Friends Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Men’s Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection
Download virtual meeting reflections: General Recovery, Family & Friends Recovery, Men’s Lust Recovery