In recovery, we learn that any power we have comes from our reliance on God. As the Big Book puts it, “We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well” (Alcoholics Anonymous). One way we keep close to Him is to check in first thing in the morning. The Big Book advises that we ask God for inspiration as well as the wisdom to take the right actions over the course of our day, especially when we’re feeling agitated or doubtful. These Step 11 “pauses” are keys to bringing serenity and healing into our lives.

By engaging the sacraments, Scripture, prayer, and Mary and the saints, we are brought to a “conscious contact” with Jesus himself. Getting to know Him intimately is the most powerful encounter we can have in this life. It is through Jesus that we come to know the true depth of our relationship with God. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel Reading, “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost” (Matthew 18:14). Jesus lets us know that God is more than just our “Employer.” He is a loving Father who never turns His back on us, His precious lambs and lost sinners in need of His grace. 

There will always be those moments when our selfish actions and sins make it seem that we are lost forever. But God has not abandoned us. He has sent His only son, Jesus, who is “the way” through the wasteland. This Advent, let us turn daily to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as we work our recovery, asking for the faith to trust that He will find us and carry us back home to the heart of the Father.

Reflection Questions

• How can you use the recovery tool of the “pause” to slow down and contemplate the beauty of Advent and Christ’s coming throughout your day? How can you use it to grow in your understanding of who Jesus is and who you are in relation to Him?
• Considering Jesus’ willingness to go after every single lost sheep, how have feelings of shame and worthlessness due to past addictive behaviors blocked you from Jesus’ merciful love? How can you respond to Him instead with confidence and hope?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Reflection by Ann A.