Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Many Christians do not believe that God punishes us for our sins and giving into our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Yet, we see in today’s reading that He does with the Jews of the Old Testament. In other words, God allows us to endure the consequences of our actions. According to His permissive will, He allows negative consequences that can be harsh, sometimes even fatal. The love of God allows us the freedom to choose whether we will trust in Him or in ourselves. When we choose the latter, the consequences will always result in suffering and pain. Yet, when the Jews trusted in God they experienced freedom and abundance. The same goes for us in recovery. If we trust in the Lord, He will be faithful and help us achieve and maintain freedom from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments.

Our God is the God of miracles and mercy. He casts out demons and cures the sick. He is the Good Shepherd who desires to restore and heal. He only requires that we trust in Him and be willing to serve and help others, which is exactly what we’re called to do by working the Twelve Steps. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). If we want to experience long-lasting freedom from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we must both trust in the Lord and labor in His vineyard. By the grace of God, let us turn to those who are still struggling with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments and help them experience freedom. In fact, that’s the antidote to keeping from relapse—serving others with God’s love and mercy.

 

Reflection Questions

  • What is your experience with relapse? What are you doing to prevent it from happening (or happening again if you’ve relapsed in the past)? 
  • How can you be of service today to those struggling with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments?

 

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10
Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38 

Reflection by Marty T.