I can’t begin to tell you how many times I orchestrated and manipulated situations out of fear that led me to days of binging, broken relationships, hurting others, financial bankruptcy, isolation, and pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. Yet, recovery gives us tools to outgrow fear. Something that has helped me tremendously is having a sponsor who will call me out when my vision and reality in the face of a storm get distorted. My sponsor helps me to redirect my attention to be of service to God and my fellows instead of focusing on the storm.

12-step recovery helps us develop a new perspective in the face of such storms. Just like Rembrandt in the painting, recovery and Jesus both invite us to hold onto and trust Him with faith and serenity. As we read in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, “We let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear.”

Reflection Questions

• What fears are keeping you from letting Jesus control the boat of your life and calm any current storms? What has Jesus done for you in the midst of previous storms?
• How has 12-step recovery helped you in the face of fear?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 5:4B-6A, 6B-7, 8
Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

Reflection by Juan Carlos P.