As Catholics in recovery, we can relate to and appreciate this story. A little more than three years ago, many Catholic Churches were closed and we were not allowed to participate in the Mass and receive communion for several months or longer. Many in recovery were also not able to attend 12-step recovery groups. As a result, churches live-streamed Mass and many recovery groups held 12-step meetings online.
I don’t know about you, but for me, it felt like I was being exiled from the Mass and from the meetings, where I received my strength and my courage to overcome my addictions and sins. The Catholic Church teaches that the Temple and the Passover represent and foreshadow Jesus and the Mass. So, like the Jews who were filled with joy when they were told they could rebuild the Temple and celebrate the annual Passover, as Catholics in recovery we too were filled with joy when we could return to Mass and 12-step recovery meetings. Today, let us be grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Mass and attend recovery meetings with others to maintain our freedom from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments.
Reflection Questions
- What was your faith and recovery experience like during the Covid shutdown? If you relapsed during that difficult time, how did you reclaim your recovery and faith?
- What are you most grateful for in your faith and recovery today?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Gospel: Luke 8:19-21
Reflection by Marty T.