This tone is a major shift from the story that many of us tell ourselves as we begin the journey of recovery. In our battle with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we’ve come to know spiritual poverty. As this dark cycle unfolds, the solution to our problems becomes a problem and our anxiety, mistrust, and isolation build. Then, we typically get discouraged and start hiding some of our true needs from ourselves and others, leading to resentment and fear.

By the grace of God, we’ve been uprooted and given another chance. We begin to experience the peace of Christ and the freedom that accompanies 12-step recovery. This is very good news and is summarized by the words of Saint Paul in this Sunday’s second reading:

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Upon our awakening, it is natural to ask the same question the crowds of people ask John the Baptist in this Sunday’s Gospel reading—what should we do? Honoring human dignity, showing up for recovery, and allowing God to do His will in us, with us, and through us is a good start.

We hear a bit more about John the Baptist from Luke’s Gospel:

Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Surrender does not always come naturally, but if we exercise the first three steps of recovery through the lens of our baptism, we might experience it happen supernaturally. We can cooperate with the transformation process by working the remaining steps—taking and sharing a moral inventory, asking God to remove defects of character that stand in the way of serving Him and others, making amends, staying connected, and giving back to others. Along the way, we get to know peace, hope, and our identity as beloved children of God, who sings joyfully because of us.

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced God delighting in you? How does that differ from your previous experience and understanding of God?
• With what do you relate most to from today’s reflection? Reflect, write, or explain.
• Share what’s going on in your life (related to recovery) and how God has been present.

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

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

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