March 20, 2025 “Walking in Trust: Lent and Recovery Together!”

I am Catholic. Today, I went to Mass, met with my spiritual director, and spent time alone thinking about my Lenten journey. Lent is a 40-day season that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Holy Thursday. It is a time for renewal. We reflect on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.

In many ways, Lent and Recovery are alike. Lent calls us to pray, fast, and give to others. Recovery follows the 12 Steps. These steps guide us to reflect, avoid harmful thoughts or substance misuse, and serve others by sharing our time and talents with people in Recovery.

Lent and Recovery both test our strength. As we grow and renew ourselves, our minds, hearts, and souls may face temptation. In the Bible, the prophets and Jesus were tested. These tests showed how strong their relationship with God was. In Recovery, we are also tested. These moments show how strong our connection is to the 12 Steps.

Lent and Recovery are not free from struggle. I feel this in my own life. Suffering from a stomach disorder, I have two choices. I can blame God and Recovery, or I can choose hope and trust that I will get better.

Circumstances can bring us closer to God and to Recovery. Earlier this week, I realized it can be hard to trust myself. What does this mean for my spiritual life and my Recovery? I believe God lives within me. If I do not trust myself, I am not trusting God. The same is true for Recovery. Recovery lives within me. If I do not trust it, I let pride and ego lead my life.

Lent and Recovery invite us to grow in self-awareness. This helps us hear the messages in our hearts and souls. Then what do we do? We trust our spirit. We take action in ways that bring us closer to God and strengthen our Recovery.