In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss addiction recovery through the metaphor of "bruised fruit" from Saint Francis de Sales. They explore the concept of innocence versus being wounded by addiction and how genuine devotion, not just religious activities, is essential for healing. They also share personal reflections on their own struggles and recovery, emphasizing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing that God's healing often comes through acknowledging our wounds and relying on His grace.

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Introduction

• Welcome to the Catholic in Recovery podcast.
• Hosts: Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley.
• Topic: Addiction recovery through the metaphor of bruised fruit (from St. Francis de Sales).
• Intro/outro music credit to I Be Jacob, AKA Bassanova and Aisling Fuller.
• Hosts check-in:
  • Father Sean discusses Lent, transitioning out of his parish, and trusting in God.
  • Scott reflects on longing for affection, a retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemane, and seeking fulfillment from Jesus.

Bruised Fruit Metaphor Introduction

• Father Sean's initial idea for "The Bruised Fruit Podcast."
• Quote from St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life" about whole vs. bruised fruit.
• Application of the metaphor to purity, sin, and addiction.
• Importance of treating "bruised" purity differently than "whole" purity.
• Relating to recovery: not being able to go back to pre-addiction behavior.

Breaking Down the Metaphor

• Whole fruit: Innocence, purity, perhaps before addiction or sin.
• Bruised fruit: Wounded, hurt by addiction, trauma, or unhealthy attachment.
• Sugar and honey: Genuine devotion, healing grace, God's love, prayer, sacraments, scripture, recovery literature, daily routines, one-day-at-a-time outlook.
• Genuine vs. inauthentic devotion: Surrendering to God vs. trying to fix oneself.
• Pelagianism and Gnosticism in devotion.
• Healing as both human and divine.

Personal Reflections and Examples

• Scott shares a story about his children and breaking eggs, relating it to trying to control situations.
• Identifying as an addict/alcoholic and what that means.
• Father Sean discusses Thomas's disbelief in Jesus's wounds after the resurrection.
• Importance of authenticity in sharing recovery stories.
• Scott's initial return to the church and motivations.
• Father Sean's experience of attending Mass while in addiction.
• Different experiences of recovery for those in and out of the church.
• The "set aside prayer" and being open to a new experience with God.

Genuine Devotion

• Giving God access to everything in life.
• Trusting that God will show up.
• Focusing on what God wants to do.
• Having the same will as God.
• Prayer as seeking knowledge of God's will.
• Living with the bruise: humility vs. shame.
• God specializes in healing wounds.
• The church as a field hospital.

Final Thoughts on Bruised Fruit

• Recognizing who you are and living accordingly.
• What works for unbruised fruit won't work for bruised fruit.
• Surrendering to God on His terms.
• Falls as signals for more healing and surrender.

Mailbag Question

• Question from Monica, a mother in recovery, about guilt and feeling like a failure.
• Discussion on making amends to children.
• Importance of honesty and humility with children.
• Recovery as a gift.

Closing

• Thanks to Jena Bitler for podcast production.
• Promotion of "Catholic in Recovery Rosary Meditations."
• Closing prayer and blessing by Father Sean.