Sacred Literature

I was in a 12-step meeting earlier and one of the prevalent themes was how important reading the literature was to success in recovery.  Several points were made:

• First, that it is the literature that gives definition to the program. We are not in any sense "making this up as we go along." We have a methodology that works for recovery and if we faithfully work that methodology we will get better.
• Second, that the literature is our way of connecting with the thousands of addicts who have gone before us and who have successfully won the battle of recovery. By studying their struggles and successes we gain insight into our own journey and can profit from their example.
• Third, that when we are disappointed in ourselves or in our fellow addicts we can go to the literature as a source of comfort and strength. When we are tempted to fall, going to the literature is aways an alternative to using.
• Finally, that just coming to meetings, and even participating in the meetings, is not sufficient to sustain a successful recovery. We have to work the program (and by that we mean read and reflect on the literature) consistently in order to maintain recovery.

As I sat in the meeting it occurred to me that the importance of actually reading and responding to the literature is as critical to the Catholic as it is to the recovering addict. 

We are all addicted to sin.  Recovery from that sin is a continual, life-long process, and that process is made immeasurably harder if we do not avail ourselves of the sacred literature God has provided for our help, for much the same reasons as listed above:

• First, the sacred writings of the Church give definition, direction and scope to our lives. We don't "make up faith" as we go along, we have a faith that has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. For most of us there is nothing that we will confront in our lives that the Church has not already considered and addressed. We have, in the sacred writings, a way of recovery from sin that is divine in origin and proven by time. If we study and follow that way we will, by the Grace of God, be successful in our recovery.
• Second, in the sacred writings we connect with the Body of Christ. While the Communion of Saints is a mystery of the Church, in the literature of the Church we can come to know those Saints in a very real way. By reflecting upon their struggles, failures and successes, we can gain insight into our own spiritual battles, learn the lessons their lives have to teach us, and take comfort that the same God who assisted them in their time of trial stands ready to assist us today.
• Third, when we face a failure in ourselves or in our brothers and sisters, we can go to the sacred writings for comfort and assurance. For when we ourselves fail, to read and know that even when we are most unlovable, God still loves and pursues us. When we are disappointed in those around us, to hear clearly God's call to forgive as He forgives, and to find proof after proof that His Will and Grace are able to succeed no matter how badly man fails.
• Finally, that just planting our bodies in the pews on Sunday, without expending any further spiritual effort for the rest of the week, is insufficient to grow us into the people God calls us to be. It is in the reading, reflecting and studying of sacred literature during the week that the lessons taught in the Mass are confirmed and nourished in our souls.