Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 9 (and Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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Today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Via USCCB.)

It is also the ninth and therefore final day of the novena through him for alcoholics.

St. Joseph was the head of the Holy Family of himself, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus. He is the model and guide for family leadership, being responsible for the enormous task of providing and caring for Mary and Jesus.

Alcoholism and addiction rupture families. Repairing relationships with the family is one of the tasks that recovering alcoholics seek to do. Making amends for the hurt and pain caused by a drinking past is long and a courageous trial to overcome.

Establishing a new family is also a goal. Once sober, an alcoholic seeks to have what seemed impossible before, a stable and secure home life.

And so, to that end, we pray:

St. Joseph, model of leadership in a family look with favor upon families and those seeking to belong to one. Intercede with God on their behalf and heal people and relationships so that all who desire it may become part of a happy and healthy family. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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 St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 8

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The prayer changes for Days 8 and 9. The previous prayers were based on the Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph, and as a novena is 9 days I have to come up with something else for the last two.

And also being mindful that one of St. Joseph’s titles is that of “St. Joseph the Worker”, today’s intentions are for those seeking honest labor and escaping unemployment. These are usually at the top of the list of things to accomplish and gain by anyone entering recovery and who seek to establish a new life in sobriety.

St. Joseph the Worker, you led an honest and humble life as a carpenter in Nazareth, providing for the Holy Family out of the fruits of your labors. Look with kindness and compassion upon those seeking honest and sufficient labor and intercede with God for them so that they may discover through work the dignity of being contributing and supporting members of society. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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!!)

Wednesday, Third Week of Lent

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Please read the Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday for the Third Week of Lent and meditate upon them.

(Via USCCB.)

The last few lines in the Gospel in which Jesus exhorts His followers to keep the Commandments stays with recent themes of “obedience” (doing God’s will instead of seeking out your own).

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!!)

On forgiveness

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The Gospel Reading for Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent tells us the limitless extent of forgiveness:

Matthew 18:21-35: “Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
‘Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?’
Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
‘Pay back what you owe.’
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
But he refused.
Instead, he had him put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master
and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?’
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.’ “

(Via USCCB.)

Along with the Lord’s Prayer, with its admonition to forgive others as we would ask God to forgive us, this shows the deep importance of forgiving others. We would hardly be justified in asking God to forgive us our sins if we are hard placed to forgive those who harmed us.

Just something to think about if you’re harboring a resentment or grudge. It isn’t easy to forgive, some period of prayer and meditation may be needed to work towards the ability to forgive. But forgive, we must.

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 St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 7

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On the seventh day of this novena we pray:

St. Joseph: “O glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when thou didst lose, through no fault of thine, the Child Jesus, thou didst seek Him sorrowing for the space of three days, until with great joy thou didst find Him again in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, we supplicate thee, with our hearts upon our lips, to keep us from ever having the misfortune to lose Jesus through mortal sin; but if this supreme misfortune should befall us, grant that we may seek Him with unceasing sorrow until we find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; that so we may pass over to enjoy His presence in heaven, and there, in company with thee, may we sing the praises of His divine mercy forever.

Now say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We pray for all those in a state of mortal sin. Please check the link for a previous post on the subject.

Those who die in a state of mortal sin are lost forever.

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 St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 6

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On this sixth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O glorious Saint Joseph, an angel on earth, thou didst marvel to see the King of Heaven obedient to thy commands, but thy consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by thy fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by the Angel, thou didst dwell in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, that so we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live in safety with Jesus and Mary, and, like unto thee, may die in their company.

Now recite the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and then the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Not everyone can “dwell in gladness”. Homelessness is oftentimes the result of addiction. We cannot treat our addiction, either through stubborn pride or weak will, or lack of recognizing when someone is trying to help. Or a host of reasons beyond the victim’s power. Nevertheless, the addict loses everything and winds up on the street, dependent upon the kindness of strangers or charitable organizations.

Perhaps this is when many “hit bottom”, and make the decision that not drinking may just be better than drinking. It is then that the veil may be removed from their eyes and they see the help that is available.

Pretty much everyone who is an addict faces homelessness. Many manage to avoid it. For those who cannot, we pray:

Oh, Lord, look with favor upon those suffering from the indignity of homelessness. May they seek shelter where it is available and may the hearts of those who can provide assistance be softened to see past their immediate situation and recognize in the homeless the truth that they also are adopted children of God and thus provide for their needs. We pray that the homeless may then take their place as valuable members of society and contribute to building up the Kingdom of God on Earth. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

 

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!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 5

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On this fifth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most watchful Guardian of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious Saint Joseph, what toil was thine in supporting and waiting upon the Son of the Most High God, especially in the flight into Egypt! Yet at the same time, how thou didst rejoice to have near thee always the very God Himself, and to see the idols of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before Him.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us the grace of keeping ourselves in safety from the infernal tyrant, especially by flight from dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.

Now say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Alcoholism and addiction necessarily cause periods of instability in our lives. There is uncertainty in every situation in life when there is change, for good or for bad. We leave a stable situation and enter a stretch of time where there is little security, such as those times when we sink deeper into alcoholism, and also when we are on the way out, and are groping for means to stay sober.

Quite often our behavior and reactions to situations cause us to run afoul of authority. We seek help from clergy and are condemned as sinners and therefore are hurt by the Church and leave, to wander about a spiritual desert looking for a home. Or we get into trouble with the law. Drunk driving, criminal misbehavior, and the like.

We move, forgetting that in relocation we take our problems (namely ourselves) with us. We do the same things elsewhere.

For all of those who are in these uncertain periods of transition and in opposition to authority and are suffering for mutual mistakes and abuse, we pray for their healing and that they may see through their pain and return to the safety of your guidance, Lord. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen.

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!!)

Things of the Lord

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The Responsorial Psalm for the Third Sunday in Lent paints a nice picture of knowing the will of God:

Psalm 19:8-11: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just;

More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb”

(Via USCCB.)

The best way to grow closer to God in the privacy of your own dwelling, or even when enjoying nature, is to study the Bible, the source of His laws, precepts, commands and statutes.

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 St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 4

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On the fourth day of this Novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most faithful Saint, who didst share the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious Saint Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon touching the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled thee with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that we may be of the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.

Say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be….

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We know not what the future holds. It is a dark and murky place, seen at best very dimly. Based on the experiences of our past, and how many times we have made mistakes and paid for them dearly, the future is feared to have much of the same.

However, if we have had some sustained sobriety, we may not view the future with dread. We know from experience that we have overcome our troubles and difficulties before, and will continue to do so. Each victory over ourselves and our trials increases our faith that we will persevere until the end. We learn to walk with God, knowing that if we keep the faith, we will endure.

Not all share this view, yet. Their experience is newer and they are still suffering from the stings and wounds of their past. For these people we pray.

Lord, protect the wounded and the broken beneath the shelter of your strength. Guide and lead them like the Good Shepherd that You are until they learn to trust and follow You. We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

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!!)