This Sunday’s second reading gives a good description of what can happen when people lose patience and get carried away with apocalyptic ideas. Lacking any good orderly direction, they simply wander around. Instead of working intently to make spiritual progress, they simply act like busybodies. The model presented by Saint Paul is similar to the way recovery is passed along:

“You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12).

We are either rooted in the solution or we are allowing destructive patterns of the past to influence our direction. A daily examen and close connection with others help us uncover reality.

Those who are unwilling to work the Twelve Steps of addiction recovery may find themselves on a similar path—failing to enhance and grow their spiritual lives through personal self-reflection, daily action, and a commitment to working through the Steps with a sponsor. The real work happens between our meetings, and it can be easy to tell the difference between those working a spiritual program and those losing patience with history, community, and relationships.

The previous passage from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians provides practical application to work—whether it be the work of recovery or our daily labor. Satisfactory work, along with healthy relationships, is a recipe for joy and an experience of God’s providence.

If we are not tending to our own work, regardless of how simple, we tend to drift into less fruitful endeavors and unhealthy mental exercises. When we do authentic work—of whatever kind—we participate in God’s ongoing creation and kingdom. Joy comes as a result of seeing our daily labor, however humble, as part of God’s plan. What springs forth is freedom and eternal life.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean for you to remain rooted in the spiritual solution of recovery and how do you attempt to do so on a regular basis?
• Describe a moment or series of events that prompted opportunities to grow in patience.
• What satisfaction do you experience by working a 12-step program or tending to daily labor?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

Reflection by Scott W.