This morning I was a little disappointed that we didn't wake up very early by our weekday standard but we woke up well early enough to get some cleaning done and make it to mass on time.

Our priest gave a very good homily to go along with our scripture readings. I remembered that when Fr. Barry had given his 3rd homily or so I knew we had a great pastor and I didn't think it could get any better. Now about every 3rd homily I think it can't get any better and it does.

He spoke about confusing the means with the ends in regard to worship of the law or the rites above a true, personal, and active relationship with God. I thought this was synchronous with the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector that I saw yesterday on the kid's religious program.

Later I went to the treatment center meeting for my week in the rotation. It was an interesting meeting because the topic presenter read a different meaning into the paragraph that was used than the paragraph actually means. The he cited an example with which I couldn't concur as enthusiastically as he was. Namely that we must change people, places, and things and that you can't work as a bartender if you are an alcoholic. I mostly stuck to the message that my recovery is based on my relationship with God more than anything else. There was this awkward moment when I was pressed to answer whether or not I would sponsor someone that worked as a bartender I answered yes in stark contradiction to the presenter.

I was grateful that I saw a friend there. I was also grateful that I saw my sponsor on the way out and that we were able to spend a good deal of time talking.

Thanks be to God.