Jesus is inviting us today to take upon ourselves His yoke of virtue and hope that allows us to be free from the debilitating hardship of addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Looking at our recovery journey as working under Jesus’ gentle harness, we find that life’s problems take on a different meaning. We find a positive way of being in the world that lets us better cope with problems and interact with others. We are freed so that addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments don’t take a foothold in our lives. Recovery teaches us to connect with others like us and to ask for help when we need it. It teaches us to be grateful for what is going well in our lives—even if just the small things—rather than focusing on what we don’t have, what we did wrong, or what could have been. Ultimately, working our recovery faithfully is one way of taking Jesus’ yoke upon us. Therefore, let us take to heart the words of Saint Augustine as we work our recovery, one day at a time: “This burden is not a weight at all, it is wings to fly with.”

Reflection Questions

• How has recovery made your burdens lighter or fitted you with wings?
• Name three small things you are grateful for today.

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102:13-14, 15, 16-18, 19-21
Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Reflection by Chiara F.