It is possible because Abraham knows who God is. He has walked with God in relationship throughout his long life and has first-hand experience of God’s omnipotence, wisdom, goodness, and loyalty. He knows God fulfills His promises, so he is not swayed by his own lack of understanding. He puts all of his hope in the strength of God’s promise. Abraham walks toward Mt. Moriah believing in the promise that God could and would provide for and bless him. 

We too are offered this great promise in recovery. The Big Book of AA explains, “God could and would if He were sought.” We are promised that by walking the steps of recovery, God will be our God—that we will be in relationship with Him and come to know and trust Him. And in this relationship, we can depend on Him for everything. He will provide for us, heal us, and bless us.

This central promise of recovery is so powerful that even the tiniest openness to belief in it is transformative. It allows us to become willing to take our first steps on the difficult path of recovery and begin to make sacrifices in order to be in God’s will. Praying for an increase in faith in God on a daily basis empowers us to do hard things we never thought we could ever do, including becoming willing to turn over our addictions and unhealthy attachments.  

Our faith will be tested along the path of recovery. Perhaps we will encounter a time when, like Abraham, all human understanding fails us and the path of God’s will seems impossible to accept. It is at that moment we can remember we have walked in the presence of the Lord through past difficult moments of our recovery and He has always faithfully carried us through them. We can remember that He is with us and step forward in the darkness, where the tiny spark of our faith shines most brightly.

Reflection Questions

• In today’s first reading, Abraham hears God’s voice and responds. Knowing the will of God requires listening. What is your experience with hearing and responding to God’s voice?
• Has there been a time when you were tested by God like Abraham was? Were you able to step forward in faith? Why or why not? If so, how were you blessed by that experience?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 22:1b-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

Reflection by Ann A.