BR John Venard’s Sacred Space column “Alcoholics Anonymous has a message for us all” (CL 7/11/10) was enlightening as always, such is his wisdom and experience of life.
His story of alcoholics engenders something for all, most certainly, because the greatest conquest in life is to conquer yourself.
If we all did this, it would change the world. As a nail drives out another nail, so too does a good habit drive out a bad habit.
It applies to everything we do or say, especially our attitudes.
Nearing the end of our lives we hope to be better than when we started, and unfolding through the middle game of life.
Recently I was at a friend’s home on a convivial occasion.
I offered a guest a beer.
He said, “No thanks, I’m an alcoholic.”
I was humbled, telling him I admired his self-discipline but, above all, I recalled decades earlier when I said condescendingly, why don’t people like this get a grip on themselves.
But I didn’t really understand the frightful addiction, or gene – that it’s like fighting sleep when given chloroform.
As young men, we met with workmates in hotels and probably overdid it, too, at times.
Later we married, becoming responsible citizens, hence my attitude to alcoholic weakness, which was smug.
It’s the oldest story of walking in someone else’s shoes.
When Christ was addressed in public life as “Good Master” He retorted, who are you calling good; no-one is good except God.
It tells us two things – who Christ was, and it reminds us that God alone is perfection.
The mysteries of eternity are beyond our imagination, hence our faith, hope and prayer.
PJ KELLY
Brassall, Qld
