Category Archives: Meditations

Resolution: One Day at a Time

Posted on by

As we begin a new year soon, we are often reminded of the popular cultural custom of making resolutions for the rest of the year. Always intended to be a means for self-improvement, they are ultimately self-defeating. We more often than not fail to maintain our resolve for a new and better self because we do not have the endurance or discipline necessary to think in terms of an entire year.

And so as we learn in our recovery program, mostly 12 Step ones, that we must take things “one day at a time.” We can more easily comprehend the next 24 hours, or at least the stretch of hours until bedtime, than we can the next 365 days.

And therefore this is what we do. “Today I will not worry. I will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes.” Jesus says in Scripture:

Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

(Via USCCB.)

Some things we remove from our options in dealing with others. Big things like drinking, murder, assault and rape. With regard to the rest: Have faith in the Lord. He will carry you through this day and the next. He did not bring you this far only to cast you aside before the race is over.

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!!)

Do not spurn a broken heart

Posted on by

Finally, in the 19th verse of Psalm 51, the penitent offers up themselves:

Psalm 51:19: “My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.”

(Via USCCB.)

The penitent’s soul and very being is offered as a sacrifice. The penitent is stating that their entire self depends upon God for their happiness, and in order to maintain that union they are offering up as a sacrifice all that they are in repentance and conversion.

This is an utterly humble declaration. Some saints have stated that they are perfectly willing to be completely annihilated if it glorifies God more. An ultimate sacrifice for the beloved.

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!!)

No sacrifice

Posted on by

The 18th verse of Psalm 51 reminds us of the need for sincerity in repentance.

Psalm 51:18: “For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.”

(Via USCCB.)

True repentance is needed as outward signs are insufficient. By outward signs I mean the actions that imply a changed behavior or a newfound piety. An inner conversion of one’s self is required for the conversion to work and for the penitent to remain on the path to Heaven. Sincerity and honesty is a key factor in this. The penitent needs to get to the root cause of the sin and work on eliminating it and maintain a firm purpose of amending one’s behavior.

In essence, the sacrifice is of oneself. The old, sinful person is sacrificed on the altar of conversion; the old, sinful ways are cast aside. While we will always sin, as no one can be completely free of the attachment to Earthly things and self-interest, we will try as best we can to avoid that which may make us susceptible to sin.

We have that responsibility to ourselves and those about us.

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!!)

Rescue me

Posted on by

The 16th verse of Psalm 51 is about gratitude, in a fundamental and loving way:

Psalm 51:16: “Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.”

The penitent fully realizes that life depends upon God, and only God can save them from death. I think the eternal death, damnation. The petitioner seeks to eventually arrive in Heaven and sing God’s praises for eternity.

The petitioner hopes to return the love God showed in forgiving the sinful past by praising (loving) God forever. The soul of the penitent will be in blissful union with its beloved, never to be parted.

Psalm 30:10-11: “What gain is there from my lifeblood, from my going down to the grave? Does dust give you thanks or declare your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper.'”

(All Scripture passages 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!!)

I will teach

Posted on by

The series on Psalm 51 resumes…

The 15th verse of Psalm 51 illustrates one of the benefits to others of the penitent’s conversion:

Psalm 51:15: “I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.”

(Via USCCB.)

Because of the experience and happiness over their conversion, the penitent will go and teach others of this. We do not keep our experience to ourselves, we share it with others. Others will be brought closer to God and experience the same joy of forgiveness and re-union with the Lord. Although some may balk at the Psalmist’s use of the word “wicked”, it can be an accurate adjective for those who have strayed from the path of the Lord. The penitent clearly felt “wicked”, hence the depth of their remorse and desire for forgiveness.

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!!)

Restore my joy

Posted on by

In the 14th verse of Psalm 51 the penitent looks towards their destiny:

Psalm 51:14: “Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit”

(Via USCCB.)

Happiness is being on the path to Heaven, it is the true joy that fills your soul and gives your life its meaning. This particular happiness is not an attachment to Earthly things. It is the “true joy” that fills our soul with a desire for union with God and a yearning for our true home and helps free us from our addictions. It is the desire for holiness and virtue.

God is necessary to sustain that desire. With the assistance of the Lord our human will is directed towards our eventual union with Him. We place our will and our trust in Him, and He will bring us safely home.

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!!)

Don't send me away from you

Posted on by

The penitent pleas with the Lord in the 13th verse to keep him close:

Psalm 51:13: “Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.”

(Via USCCB.)

A persistent fear that the sin was so grievous that God may cause banishment as a consequence of the penitent’s action motivates the sinner to plead for additional mercy. The penitent prays to remain in God’s presence, and to continue to receive His guidance through the workings of the Holy Spirit. The penitent desires not to be lost forever, for without God’s presence and guidance, Hell is certain.

Ask God to remain near. He is always close to the humble and sorrowful.

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!!)

Renew My Steadfast Spirit

Posted on by

(My series on Psalm 51 resumes.)

In the 12th verse of Psalm 51, the penitent is granted a new start.

Psalm 51:12: “A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.”

(Via USCCB.)

Sin has sullied and degraded the penitent. It had ruptured the relationship with God. The penitent, after the first half of the Psalm, is now ready to start anew.

But, not content with just picking up and moving on as before, now cleansed of sin. The penitent wants to be strengthened with “a steadfast spirit”, a renewed conviction to lead a virtuous life, holy in the sight of God.

Made clean by God’s grace and perhaps having learned from the experience, the penitent now strives to live according to God’s will.

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!!)

Blot out all my guilt

Posted on by

The 11th verse of Psalm 51 is a repetition of verse 3.

Psalm 51:11: “Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt.”

(Via USCCB.)

The Lord forgives, and the Lord “forgets.” The slate is clean, it is “as if” the sin never happened.

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!!)

Sounds of glad rejoicing

Posted on by

Verse 10 of Psalm 51 recalls a happy and healthy benefit to forgiveness:

Psalm 51:10: “Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”

(Via USCCB.)

When God forgives, you are restored to your inheritance. You who were lost, are now found once again, and you can claim your rightful place as one of His children, eligible to enter into His home once He calls you to it.

Luke 15:21-24: “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.”

You were crushed by your sin. You have repented and petitioned Him for forgiveness,and He has answered. You rejoice, as with the Saints in Heaven.

Luke 15:7: “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

All Scripture quotes courtesy of:

(Via USCCB.)

Go to Confession, soon.

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!!)