Reparation Thoughts
….By His Wounds we are healed
Volume XXIII, Number 14
Dear Donnès of Reparation, Family and Friends,
Our Blessed Christmas Season has begun. The secular world has removed its signs of the holiday while we, as Catholic Christians, are just beginning our festive celebrations. So many have mentioned how “fast” time seems to be moving especially with celebrating thanksgiving; then the countdown of four weeks of Advent; Christmas shopping and a New Year in the offing. But we are so blessed to have these days of Christmas to honor the coming of Christ as our Newborn King.
He is the Messiah, the long-awaited Redeemer. So unlike what humankind had expected, He arrived amid turmoil and hatred; He came among the very poor, and strangers; He came in the silence of night without human fanfare to honor Him. Instead, the very Angels of Heaven announced His Birth; lowly shepherds brought simple offerings as gifts; and Wisemen traveled nearly two years, following the signs of the heavens, to recognize His Kingship, His Death and His Divinity.
I am forever amazed at the level God transcends to show His love for humankind; to forgive our severe wantonness; and the depths that He would go to open the gates of Heaven for our redemption! He is truly “Love” Itself! The more I meditate upon this, the less I know I understand. This is how deep the mystery of His love extends.
Now that the pre-Christmas rush is behind us, take a serious look at the true gifts we have received. Set aside time to spiritually enter the manger of your heart and soul and rest with Him, His Mother and His earthly father, Joseph. Listen to the cooing of the doves. Smell the sheep. Think of the fruits that might have been offered. Consider the true spiritual value of the gifts of the Magi. Be aware of the tension that rose with Herod threatening the life of this Redeemer King. Consider how unsettled everything was for Joseph to make basic provisions for his family. Ponder upon Mary’s condition while traveling by donkey into Bethlehem and then into Egypt.
There was no greater treasure in the entire existence of humankind than the one placed under Mary and Joseph’s care. No greater Love than God coming to earth to save all humankind! To save me and you!
O Holy Night! O Night Divine! O Night when all of creation received what it had awaited for centuries, Jesus Christ Our Lord and King! The world would never be the same!
A year of Masses will be offered for you by the Servite Community as well as a remembrance in their Community Prayers. May this gift bring strength to your heart and soul as you come closer in your relationship with Our Beloved Savior. Merry Christmas!
Mother Mary of the Angels, SR
Christmas 2024
Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus 2120 SE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97214-5504 www.ReparationSisters.org 503-236-4207 repsrs@comcast.net
This publication is made possible by the generosity of Donnès of Reparation
