(d. 721) Saint John was a Benedictine monk and then bishop in England. He ordained the Venerable Saint Bede, who wrote about him and recorded his miracles. So many miracles were attributed to Saint John’s intercession both during his life and after his death that his burial site became one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in England.

12-step recovery is an ongoing journey of healing. It isn’t something done in an instant; it isn’t a single “aha” moment. We have moments of grace and of clarity (for many, this comes after working Steps 4 through 7), but the “disease” or affliction persists. We have to remain vigilant, honest, and humble. We see this humble dedication to healing in Saint John. His intercession and service didn’t even stop with his death. This is the fruit of that conscious contact with God that we strive for in Step 11.

Saint John of Beverley, shepherd of souls and healer of the broken, pray for us, that we have the perseverance, honesty, and humility to continually seek healing and to serve others. Amen.

Reflection by Brad Farmer