Over these past many years, as I have worked the Steps, remained sober in community, learned how to pray, studied Scripture and the saints, made amends, served others, and, above all, kept close to Christ in the sacraments, I have come to see and understand how God is always present to me just like how God spoke through the prophets to the people of Israel. Today in faith I fully understand that He loves me, nurtures me, cares for me, calls me, fosters me, feeds me, and protects me—and that He always has, and that He always will. His love is steadfast! As the Letter to the Hebrews reads, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (13:8). That awareness truly changes everything. No longer do I need to reach for the cheap alternative and temporary fix that will ultimately give me nothing. Instead, I am gradually purified of all illusory attachments so that the one attachment that truly gives life and happiness remains—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!
Let us never take God’s patience and mercy with us for granted. Let us renew our commitment to His promises when the going gets rough and temptations strike. When we fall, let us immediately repent, be humble in our powerlessness, take heart that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9), get up, reject self-pity, persevere, and keep going. And let us embrace hardship as the pathway to peace, knowing that God is purifying us daily in this life of what we do not need so that we may one day receive Him in the fullness of His glory and be forever delighted and filled and satisfied in everlasting joy in heaven.
“Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved” (Responsorial Psalm).
Reflection Questions
- Describe how you ran further and further away from God even as He called you to Himself? How did you feel? Why did you run from Him?
- Reflect on God’s unfathomable mercy and patience with our ingratitude and indifference, especially when in the throes of active addiction. What does that reveal to you about God’s nature? What does that tell you about His relationship and desire for you?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16
Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15
Reflection by Pete S.