Addictions

Modern life is replete with addictions.

Alcohol takes its toll. Illicit drugs kill. Pornography is plentiful, accessible and destructive.

Experts say that the gambling addiction is the worst – hardest to break.

One thing is certain. Psychologists will be kept busy.

Can we offer anything from our rich spiritual tradition?

Enter Paul.

Well educated, formed in the Jewish faith, he undergoes an unexpected conversion, re-orientating him from persecution of Christians to the warm embrace of Christ and his followers.

The Letter to the Romans is his most mature work:

When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death.

In other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life (Romans 6).

Those who suffer from addictions have access to a spiritual movement, which is a spiritual powerhouse.

Psychologists have an ally.

With Jesus, one can die to addiction, rest from it and rise to life without it.

Accompaniment is needed. A wise spiritual director indispensable.

There is hope.

Addiction can be broken and defeated – ‘new life’ emerges.

Amen.