Just because we entered recovery and joined a fellowship doesn’t mean that we still don’t have much work to do. Entering recovery is only the first step. Afterward, we need to cooperate with God’s grace and work (or rework) the Steps, be of service to others, frequent the sacraments, and pray daily. In other words, we need to take a hard look at ourselves and make that “searching and fearless moral inventory” (Step 4). We need to share it with another human being and in the Sacrament of Confession (Step 5). And we need to be willing (Step 6) and ask God to remove all the defects of character and sins that remain in our lives (Step 7), just as Saint Paul challenges us to do today. Recovery is not for the faint of heart. We need to do our part in cooperating with God’s grace and, if we do, He will be faithful in bringing us to freedom. Otherwise, our recovery will probably not last.
Reflection Questions
- Are you doing the regular work of maintaining your recovery and growing in faith? How?
- How have you continued to “peel the onion,” examining all areas of your life to allow God to remove all that impedes your growth in recovery and holiness?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab
Gospel: Luke 6:20-26
Reflection by Kevin S.