This Sunday’s first reading is taken from the second chapter of Genesis where we find Adam in hopes of a suitable partner. God creates Eve from the rib of Adam, making her “bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh,” describing the intimate union between husband and wife. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh” (Genesis 2:23).

The fall of Adam and Eve, along with their eviction from the Garden of Eden, point toward the resounding effect our behavior has on our families. Shame, fear, and isolation immediately ensue. Adam blames his wife, Eve, who in turn sheds blame on the snake that tempted her. Years later, the first family to walk the earth still had plenty of problems with the peak of their dysfunction coming when their son Cain killed his brother Abel.

Frustration can come as we begin taking steps to change. Out of legitimate mistrust and shattered hope for change, those around us might be skeptical when we begin recovery. For years, roles have been shifted to make up for our absence while active in our addictions.

Some may comment that our dark circumstances were of our own making and step back as we figure things out. Others in our families might be too eager to help, dictating our recovery while ignoring how addiction has impacted their behavior patterns. Either way, we focus on our side of the street in order to move our families toward wholeness.

Not everyone comes around to embrace spiritual convictions at the same time. As we experience the love of God changing us, we wish that others around us could find the same outlet. Sometimes, we find ourselves taking a risk and implementing the principles of recovery into our relationships. We may even lose the fear of discussing Jesus openly with others close to us.

A Christ-centered family has the freedom to detach from the things of this world (unhealthy attachments and addiction) and cling to one another. At the same time, we must not allow the family to cave in on itself but rather share the fruit of our findings with others, even if we are still a work in progress.

In the chapter titled “The Family Afterward,” the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains:

“This painful past may be of infinite value to other families still struggling with their problem. We think each family which has been relieved owes something to those who have not, and when the occasion requires, each member of it should be only too willing to bring their former mistakes, no matter how grievous, out of their hiding places. Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worthwhile to us now” (p. 124).

Reflection Questions

• How has your painful past been of value to others? How have others shown support to you and your family?
• Consider and describe an experience of needing to focus your recovery on your side of the street.
• What is happening in your life (including your family life) today that requires your surrender and trust in God?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

Download printable meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery

Download virtual meeting reflections:
General Recovery
Family & Friends Recovery
Lust Addiction Recovery