Jesus, the supreme and perfect sponsor, of course, nails it on the head. We need to exchange our god of alcohol or any other unhealthy attachment for the one true God. Once we fill our God-sized hole with the one true God, and focus our heart, soul, mind, and strength on Him alone, there will no longer be any room or desire for unhealthy attachments. And we do this by being open and willing as we follow the AA suggestions as well as commit to daily prayer, meditation, Mass attendance, and other spiritual devotions. When we do this, we are able to redirect our will and do the next right thing when it comes to making spiritual progress and maintaining our sobriety.

The second greatest commandment given by Jesus, to love our neighbor as ourselves, is embodied by doing our 12th step work: sponsoring others, attending and supporting those in recovery meetings, and performing service work. In other words, we commit to loving even the “unlovable” until they can love themselves by following yet another AA suggestion: principles over personalities.

Reflection Questions

• How have Jesus’ two commandments and AA’s suggestions helped shape your recovery and spiritual life?
• What are some ways that you love your “unlovable” neighbor? How might you commit to loving your neighbor better today?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Reflection by Sober in San Antonio