It is an easy and comfortable transition to see the Body of Christ in Paul’s letter merging with our 12-step model of recovery meetings. Each member of our Catholic in Recovery group brings a unique experience and gift to the group, and the Holy Spirit prompts our minds and hearts to listen, respond, and benefit from every individual who shares their story. We often find that someone can speak aloud what we have kept within our own hearts, and suddenly we are acutely aware that we are not alone after all. Paul encourages us to love sincerely, hold onto what is good, stay fervent in spirit, persevere in prayer, and rejoice in hope. All of these exhortations manifest in the words and emotions of our fellow addicts who speak from the heart. Everyone in our recovery meeting has been led there for the purpose of finding healing and wholeness and serving others by sharing their experience, strength, and hope.

In His parable, Jesus speaks in a particularly personal and meaningful way to the suffering addict. He lists the seemingly “worthy” recipients of the banquet invitation who fail to see the gift they have been given and the generosity of the host. One by one, they each decline the invitation, their gratitude obscured by selfishness or busyness, and the invitation goes out to those who are on the margins. In our active addiction, we were truly lost and felt unworthy of healing and hope. It was easier to continue to be led by our unhealthy desires. How blessed we are that He saw fit to extend His invitation to us, often when we were at our lowest ebb! We have been chosen. We have been invited. It is up to us to respond—one day at a time—to that invitation.

Reflection Questions

• What gifts have you been given that can serve others in recovery and in the broader church community? Have you found ways to offer those gifts?
• What brought you into recovery and/or Catholic in Recovery? How did God manifest in the invitation you received?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 12:5-16ab
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24

Reflection by Mark L.