In the Responsorial Psalm, we read “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; Then call upon me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.” As Catholics in recovery, we are a people who gather to give thanks both when we worship and in recovery fellowship. Gratitude and praise constitute the essential disposition of our lives in recovery. We recognize all that we have which is good and healthy comes from God. To “fulfill your vows” means seeking to live day by day a life worthy of our baptismal oath by following the Twelve Steps, a rule of life that breaks down our pride and teaches us humility and trust. It is from within this existential transformation in humility and trust that calling upon God “in time of distress” will be fruitful, for the Lord will come to us and “rescue” us. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Is that not exactly what we have experienced in recovery?
From today’s Gospel reading, we read Jesus say as He approaches Jerusalem and His Passion, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes…because you did not recognize the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:42-44). And what is the time of Christ’s visitation for us in recovery? Every day to be sure—in trustful prayer, loving adoration, humble repentance, selfless service, and worthy reception of the Most Blessed Sacrament. All of these actions embody within us “what makes for peace,” namely nothing other than Our Lord himself who is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts!
Reflection Questions
- How can the Gospel Acclamation for today be a motto for you in recovery?
- How does practicing the Twelve Steps relate to fulfilling your baptismal vows?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15
Gospel: Luke 19:41-44
Reflection by Pete S.