Category Archives: Sacraments

Getting stuck in the past

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There is an excellent article today from Spirit Daily on repentance and not dwelling on the past once you’ve gotten past it.

(Via Spirit Daily.)

Try reading it, you’ll find it useful if you’re a frequent user of Confession and still dwell on your past sins.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

"What to do kit for addictions"

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John W. Garcia, a member of Catholics in Recovery offers this video on basic Catholic tools to aid in your recovery from addictions.

It does answer one common objection that comes up when people state that you cannot rely solely on religion, and that you need the support of a group, the “slogans” and other tools that you develop in recovery meeting rooms. Those are nice, but not needed.

The “What to do kit for addictions” offers all sorts of things the Catholic Faith has that can help you recover, and maintain that recovery. In addition, and this is key, it offers the tools needed to retrain yourself in how you react to things. This seems a central point in any addict’slife.We need to relearn how to react to things in a non-addictive way.

John is also the person behind the excellent Sober for Christ resource.

Watch the video and visit his site.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Bread from Heaven

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Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and without Him there can be hardly any true sustenance for you to get through the meanness of daily life and the offerings of the secular world. The Gospel Reading from today’s Daily Mass says so:

John 6:30-35: “The crowd said to Jesus:
‘What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:

He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’

So Jesus said to them,
‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.’

So they said to Jesus,
‘Sir, give us this bread always.’
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.’“

(Via USCCB.)

Place your faith in Jesus, He will fill up the “hole in your soul” that is filled with the empty and unsatisfying promises of the world. In the past that hole might have been filled with alcohol. Have you fully turned towards Jesus and offered Him your life? He had died for you because you were meant for more than what the world says you have value for.

You were meant for more than your job and how much money you make and what you spend it on. You were meant for more than casual recreational sex and the emptiness it often leads to, once you morally examen that area of your life.

Faith in Jesus is a living daily affirmation:

…Give us this day our daily bread...

Everything else is a distraction.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Suppressed consciences

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This excerpt from the First Reading for Mass for the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent serves an interesting insight into the inner workings of the mind on its way to committing sin (and an addictive relapse):

Daniel 13:6-14: “…These men, to whom all brought their cases, frequented the house of Joakim.

When the people left at noon, Susanna used to enter her husband’s garden for a walk.

When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her.

They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

Though both were enamored of her, they did not tell each other their trouble,

for they were ashamed to reveal their lustful desire to have her.

Day by day they watched eagerly for her.

One day they said to each other, ‘Let us be off for home, it is time for lunch.’ So they went out and parted;

but both turned back, and when they met again, they asked each other the reason. They admitted their lust, and then they agreed to look for an occasion when they could meet her alone.”

Via USCCB.)

Take out “Susanna” and substitute any of the “people, places and things” that serve as triggers for relapse and we see a mirror of the mental processes that lead to a relapse.

The image of the object of desire, be it a lustful target or just an old drinking establishment, somehow causes the conscience to be supressed. Anyone who has relapsed, or came close to it, understands. Your “right-thinking” is turned off, God is distant and “just judgments” are far from your thoughts.

The object takes over and mindlessly the addict succumbs and falls prey to it.

I heard it explained in an AA meeting that meeting attendance interrupts this thought process and halts the trend towards relapse. This is fine for those who still actively attending 12 Step meetings. But for those who do not, there is prayer, Mass and the sacraments. The grace of God present in these can be enough to save the addict from falling.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

A Worthy Wife

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A sign of recovery is being able to live amongst people without the need for the crutch of an addiction. As someone once said in an AA meeting I attended (a paraphrase): “Recovery does for me what alcohol used to: it enables me to live among people.”

One obvious sign of success in recovery is marriage. Unless you’re in early recovery and your decision-making process is still warped by the newness of sober-living and the inability to completely think things through, a major decision like marriage waits until things settle out and are clear. Some AA people say it takes at least 3 to 5 years for you to sufficiently recover enough so that you can remember where to find your brain. I got married just shy of 6 years.

When you marry at that point, it is usually because you have your “things together” and someone else has decided that you are “safe enough” to hitch along for the ride for the rest of their life. You are worthy to have someone share their life with you.

That happened to me one year ago today, at the exact time of this posting (my local time, 4:28 PM) on 29 March 2008. A decision I am very happy with. She is “The One” and is described in the Scripture passage below:

Proverbs 31:10-31: “When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.

Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.

She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands.

Like merchant ships, she secures her provisions from afar.

She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household.

She picks out a field to purchase; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She is girt about with strength, and sturdy are her arms.

She enjoys the success of her dealings; at night her lamp is undimmed.

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.

She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.

She fears not the snow for her household; all her charges are doubly clothed.

She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing.

Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.

She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel.

She watches the conduct of her household, and eats not her food in idleness.

Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her:

Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.’

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.”

(Via USCCB.)

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge

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The Responsorial Psalm for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent offers consolation to those suffering from the acts of others:

Psalm 7:2-3,9-12:
“O LORD, my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers and rescue me,
Lest I become like the lion’s prey,
to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me.

Do me justice, O LORD, because I am just,
and because of the innocence that is mine.
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,
but sustain the just,
O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.

A shield before me is God,
who saves the upright of heart;
A just judge is God,
a God who punishes day by day.”

(Via USCCB.)

People who follow their own wills and not God’s often wreak havoc upon other people’s lives. If you are trying to lead a good, clean and sober life there will be obstacles. Other people will see your decision to live a life contrary to how they see it should be lived (because it is a threat to them), and will try and derail your path.

You will be an object of scorn and ridicule as they try to drag you back into your old ways.

The Lord, if you trust in Him, will be your safe refuge and will protect you by strengthening your faith. The reassurance you get from a deep prayer life, from reading Sacred Scripture and attending Mass will be the armor you need to cope with the world and its ways.

The world and its followers won’t go away, but you’ll have a defense. And a protector.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

My Soul Longs For You

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The Responsorial Psalm for Monday of the Third Week of Lent may have an answer for those alcoholics and addicts who still suffer occasionally from having a “hole in the soul” in need of filling:

Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.
My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God?
Send your light and fidelity, that they may be my guide And bring me to your holy mountain, to the place of your dwelling,

That I may come to the altar of God, to God, my joy, my delight. Then I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.”

(Via USCCB.)

We seek God everywhere except perhaps where He is. In Church, in the sacredness of the Sacraments and in methods of holiness such as Catholic devotions.

The hole in our soul is therefore filled with useless things, namely our addictions. Even aside from our addictions we seek out the pleasures of the secular world, falsely assuming and hoping that they can satisfy the need we have for deep spiritual sustenance.

Long for God, long for the spiritual and sacramental satisfaction that can only be met by Him. Prayerfully read the Bible, learn all about the meaning behind then passages to better understand things, study the Mass and discover why it is the summit of our Catholic Faith and the source of everything we need to truly fill that “hole in our soul.”

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Prodigal Alcoholics

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Today’s Gospel Reading for the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent is a particularly strong one for us sober alcoholics:

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32: “Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
So to them Jesus addressed this parable.
‘A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’
So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.” “

(Via USCCB.)

This parable of Jesus is an epic one of forgiveness. A son had all that he needed and wanted, squandered it all while looking for more, and in humiliation returned home, hoping for at least to be treated like a servant. He got better than he probably deserved, and was received with overwhelming warmth and love by his father.

This is a lesson for all of us who have sinned greatly,and continue to do so. If we are sincere in our repentance and humbly ask God for forgiveness, He will wash away our sins.

Do an examination of conscience and go to Confession sometime during Lent. Even if it has been years since the last time you went, go anyway. Your soul needs it.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

The sick and the sinners must heed the call

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Who needs Jesus? Whom does He call upon? From the Gospel reading in today’s Mass for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday:

Luke 5:27-32: “Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, ‘Follow me.’
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’
Jesus said to them in reply,
‘Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.’ “

(Via USCCB.)

Jesus is the Divine Physician. He came to heal the sick and offer comfort and relief to those outcast from society. If anyone recognizes this, it would be us alcoholics and addicts. We were sick, and to varying degrees, still are. We have had a sinful past (as does everyone, but our sinful behavior may have been more distressing) and we more than most are aware of our need to atone for it. We must repent and turn back to the Lord.

This is why Lent is one of my favorite times of the year. It offers a focused means of repentance and forgiveness of sins. While we can do this anytime of the year through the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and the Eucharist, during Lent we have the greater opportunity for doing so as the whole Church responds to Jesus’ call of repentance.

Go to Confession much? Try it during this Lenten season.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes for Alcoholics: Day 9

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The intention of this novena was to focus attention on the healing aspects of Catholicism through a devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes was chosen as she is an obvious recourse for Catholic addicts and alcoholics. She is our primary intercessor with the Trinity, and like any good Mom wants her children to do well.

But there is ongoing healing available within the Catholic Faith. Through the sacraments we have certain access to God’s graces. In the sacrament of Confession (also known as Penance or Reconciliation) our sins are forgiven and we grow in holiness if we have a “firm purpose of amendment.” In the Eucharist (Holy Communion) we receive Jesus. The Divine Healer Himself enters into us. How intimate is that? (And Protestants and Evangelicals claim that the Catholic Church doesn’t encourage a personal relationship with Jesus!)

Pray this novena at any time of the year, it doesn’t have to be in February. But also know that healing is there, all the time (if you are patient and humble and understand that things happen in His time and in accord with His will.)

Pray:

Oh ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen

From: Prayers – Catholic Online: “Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes”

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)