Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you…”

This was taken from the First Reading of the Mass today, the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Meditate upon that. Think about that the next time you’re feeling worthless and discouraged. Especially of when others are tearing you down because of your alcoholism or addictions. Despite all that, God held you in His Mind and contemplated you from all eternity. And He had a plan for your life. Alcoholism may have in some way been a part of that plan, as strange as that seems. Sometimes we discover the whys of it in recovery. It can be a healing and a fulfillment. A point of joy or a reason for resentment. If the former, then the healing occurs. If the latter, then the addiction may never be overcome.

Knowing that God knew you and loved you before you were born sheds a certain perspective on the whole thing, and how one chooses to react is telling.

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)