The prophet Isaiah gives language to this moment of turning: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:1). That light is Christ. And just as He came into a world of confusion, grief, and chaos, He comes into the disordered parts of our lives to bring light and healing.
This light doesn’t always arrive with fireworks. Often, it begins quietly, in a meeting room or confessional, with a moment of honesty. We speak the truth. We say out loud what we can no longer carry alone. That confession marks a turning point. As the Big Book says, “We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 59).
Recovery is not a solitary journey. At every step, we need others—sponsors, friends in recovery, people who understand. We learn to trust their experience and follow their guidance. They walk with us as we move from despair to hope, from chaos to peace.
This Sunday’s gospel recounts how Jesus called the first disciples. He found them as they were—working, fishing, likely carrying the concerns of daily life—and invited them to something more. “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:19-20).
Step One is our own invitation to leave the nets behind. Not just the substance or behavior, but the whole way of life we built around it. As we begin that journey, we don’t need to have it all figured out. We just need to be honest, willing, and open to God’s direction.
The kingdom of God is not far off. It begins now, one step at a time, one day at a time. When we are honest about our powerlessness, we begin to make space for a new kind of strength—one that does not come from us, but from God who loves us and is already leading us forward.
Reflection Questions
- What brought you to the point of admitting powerlessness in your recovery?
- How has honesty with yourself and others helped you make spiritual progress?
- In what ways is God inviting you to leave behind old patterns and follow Him today?
Sunday Mass Readings this Week
First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery | Recuperación General
Family & Friends Recovery | Recuperación para Familiares
Lust Addiction Recovery | Recuperación de Adicción Sexual
ACDH Recovery | Recuperación HAHD
Download virtual meeting reflections:
General Recovery | Recuperación General
Family & Friends Recovery | Recuperación para Familiares
Lust Addiction Recovery | Recuperación de Adicción Sexual
ACDH Recovery | Recuperación HAHD