When we’re struggling with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, the last place we ever hope to find ourselves is in a 12-step meeting and yet, it’s God’s great wisdom that gets us there. Thank goodness God knows better than we do. As our hearts awaken and our eyes open, we begin to see the greatest wisdom of all can be found in our weakness, for our weakness can be used according to God’s power, grace, and love.

We see this too when Simon Peter is not able to catch any fish on his own strength. The Lord then shows up. Notice that He does not ask to get into Simon’s boat—He just gets in. Jesus tells him, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Simon Peter grumbles a little—as we are all prone to do—but heeds the Lord’s command. And a miracle happens, causing Simon Peter to fall to his knees and say, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8).

In our recovery, when we stop grumbling, work the Steps, frequent the sacraments, and meet regularly with a sponsor, we are doing what Simon Peter did. We are putting out into deep water to lower our nets for a catch so that God may work a miracle. Trusting the process and taking action in recovery leads to unexpected miracles, ones that bring repentance, healing, freedom, and awe for what God has done for us. Then we realize that the wisdom of God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves.

The Lord has stepped into our boat. Let us respond to His commands wisely.

Reflection Questions

• How has trusting God’s way and not your own brought miracles in your recovery?
• What is the next action you could take to respond to the Lord’s presence in your recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

Reflection by Karen D.