Being priest to one another as part of recovery (non-religious--promise!)

I'm reflecting this morning on why I'm spending so much time here in the forums for several weeks now, wondering whether it's some sort of Msub and an additional time waster. But I think that something else is happening with me as I spend time with all of you.

There's a wonderful book by an Episcopal theologian, William Countryman, Living on the Borders of the Holy. A central theme is working to define what "priesthood" means. Now, yes, it's in a particular Christian context, but his point is that everyone needs a "priest" to walk across the borders into the unknown, someone who has been there before, and who can help make the transition and find one's way.

Women do this for one another in childbirth. Married couples do this for the newly engaged. Fathers do this for one another after the birth of the first child. We all have mysterious places to walk, which others have walked before, and it is invaluable to have someone to hold your hand as you step off into that unknown.

But there is a further piece. The relationship is two-way. There is something elevating and grounding at the same time for the one taking someone into the mystery. The one who has been there before takes a fresh look and is able to find even more meaning because the mystery is infinite.

So here we are, holding one another's hand as we step from addiction into recovery, being priest to one another. Hearing confession. Assuring pardon for sins. Supporting one another from the moment we cross the border from illness into recovery.

It is a profound honor to have you for my priests and to be priest for you. All that's required is an acknowledgment of the magnitude of the mystery before which we are all humbled: For us who know only illness, the road to health is terrifying and splendid. The land beyond is promised but unknown, yet we journey toward it in one another's imperfect, life-giving company.