Reparation Thoughts

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume V, Number 2

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

Silence pierces the atmosphere with peaceful cleansing. Quickly hiding the world’s harshness, a downy blanket covers the earth. Snow! The arms of the giant firs are weighted in glistening silver. Life reacts to the cold in mysterious melodies. Squirrels and birds hide in her vestibules. Humankind anxiously waits to navigate the pristine vintage. This hibernal silhouette appears haggard and hollow-cheeked, obscuring its sinewy identity. The character of life is transformed as winter rests.

Does humankind go unclothed into its bleak storms? Has not God thickened the animals’ protection? Are the firs not firmly rooted into terrestrial turf? Yes, winter’s armor is substantial.

Upon the surface, life is covert. However, winter is transitory and an epic unfolding is about to commence. Soon, germinating life will become visible to the eye. Winter’s mask will fade, and lush new growth will appear.

As nature shifts, so must we transition as people of God. It is time for the springtime of the soul to blossom and grow. From under the “downy blanket” where we rest, new seeds of spiritual growth must awaken. Our “weighted arms”, free of burden, may expand to greater heights of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to our heavenly Father. Our hunger for holiness becomes a catalyst to move from “hidden vestibules” and seek new horizons of grace. With enthusiasm we may abandon “vintage realms” and gravitate to spiritual refinement. What has been “haggard and hollow-cheeked” has inestimable potential. We have been fortified by blessings, transformed in the twinkling of time, and saturated with celestial promise.

As we navigate this seasonal spiritual journey it is wise to remember that it is not our will that matters; it is the Lord’s. This makes a difference between prayer and worship. Prayer is the expression of my will; worship is the acceptance of God’s will. Acceptance of God’s will helps the springtime of our faith to blossom. As we worship more effectively, His light and hope will fill our lives. Grace and prayer can help these understandings to germinate and grow.

“The effectiveness of our apostolate and our happiness depends to a great extent upon denial of self
and the search to be one with Christ in knowledge and in will. Then after a while we reach a point
where nothing in all the world is worth a moment of time except to know more of Him.”
(Archbishop Fulton Sheen)

Are you ready for the opportunities at hand? Can you sense new life in the depths of your soul? Will you answer “yes” to your personal call from Christ? Is your response to faith contagious? Do you know how very much God loves you?

May His perfect love enfold you and may grace draw you closer to Him. May your being
blossom into a colorful garden where each flower brings fulfillment for your soul. Amen.

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
February 2008

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2008 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume V, Number 1

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

Last evening we were sharing dinner with some friends. Mass had just been completed. Outside, the rain and wind were gaining storm momentum. Conversation and laughter rose to the eaves of our home. Jesus, our Christmas Rose, is watching!

The doors to our Chapel remain open to welcome those who wish to enter. The true Presence of God rests there in the Most Blessed Sacrament and all are invited to come, pray, and adore Him. The answer to our needs, the clarity for our questions, the wisdom of the ages is there. His presence is whole and sustaining. Christ, our Christmas Peace, is loving!

The Epiphany of the Lord is near so we were surrounded by our beautiful handmade crèche. Roses lovingly presented at the Festival of Lights were in full bloom before the statue of our Lady of Grace. The tree was colored with Christmas glow and the winter-town was alive with lights, skaters, moving trains and music. The experience was heartwarming and peace-filled. Jesus, our Christmas King, is blessing!

With good planning, Sister Mary Immaculate had everything prepared on time. The meal was delicious and even more satisfying because of the delightful company. Events past and present pervaded our discussion. For a moment in time, all burdens could be set aside while friends became the center of one’s attention. Jesus, our Christmas Lord, is directing!

Like the Bethlehem journey, our holiday time is often fraught with a diversity of experiences and this year was no different. Now, we face a new year—2008, with a fresh slate and opportunity. The gifts of grace received through our participation in Church services, acts of generosity, kindnesses to strangers, endurance of tribulation, patience in adversity and love for others, become a force to catapult us into the wonderful possibilities of the year ahead. Jesus, our Christmas Light, is shining!

My life has been so blessed by the ways that Christ has manifested Himself to me. The past leaders of our community were remarkable women who always directed us to Him and guided our works for Him! I am honored to be part of the Sisters of Reparation, following their footsteps and odyssey. I praise God in thanksgiving for each and every one of you who are extensions of His love for us! Jesus, our Christmas Savior, reigns eternal!

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
Epiphany 2008

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2008 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 17

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! This season holds richness and promise because we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. During these weeks of Christmastide, the Church honors notable saints and striking events in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. And, as you know, it culminates with the Baptism of Christ, an event from which stems our first Sacrament of Initiation. The depth of the season has long been expressed through variable forms of music.

Recently, a high school student and I were enjoying a lovely orchestral piece. The student has devoted many years developing her talents and learning to perform with taste, perfection and style. We were listening to other performers, but the true delight for me was to watch her ‘being’ flow in rhythm with the unseen. She had ‘moved into the piece’ and for the moment, was unaware of the external. The contributions of a hundred performers had blended in harmony and perfection, and mystified this listener. Mother Thérèse, a concert artist, always said, “Music is love in search of a word”. The music I received through this young teen was love without a single word!

The blessings of this season have a far greater depth than this experience. They are life changing, life saving, and life giving. Our Christmas holidays may be fraught with pain, loss, unmet yearnings, and loneliness yet saturated by faith, hope, trust and life. The example given through familiar Nativity figures can reach and change any heart that is willing, for the message of Christmas is powerful indeed!

Countless friends have given anonymous gifts during these holidays. Others have contributed to groups that support the needy and less fortunate. When we lovingly and sincerely give in the Name of Jesus Christ, it becomes a kind of music that returns to us in remarkable and unexpected ways. His true joy cannot be dimmed. His true love cannot be conquered or diminished. ‘He’ becomes the melody through our actions—the unseen performer!

May the music of the Angels fill your lives and your homes. May the Virgin’s lullaby soften your heart. May the strength of Joseph give you courage. May the light of the Christmas brighten your days. May you be at peace!

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
December 2007

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2007 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 15

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

“We know we are traveling together. If our pace is slow, go ahead of us. We won’t envy you but rather will seek to catch up with you. However, if you consider us capable of a quicker pace, run along with us. There is only one goal, and we are all anxious to reach it—some at a slow pace and others at a fast pace.”
(St. Augustine Sermon on a New Canticle 4,4)

There is an ice rink at a nearby mall and I enjoy watching the skaters. Observing enthusiastic students is quite entertaining. When the rink is open to the public, one sees every kind of skater imaginable.

Today, a twelve year old was attempting a basic back camel position. In another section of the rink, a 19 year old was challenging a forward layback spin. A strong young man was practicing a typical backspin and did it very well. Upon an invisible marker another skater attempted a forward and back inside counter. One instructor guided a student through a long axis, maneuvering her shoulders and directing where to put her weight. A more proficient dancer twirled through back crossovers and loop jumps.

On a recent Saturday, I observed less experienced skaters who navigated as couples to prevent falling. A mom and dad were gliding gracefully and encouraging their little son who was following behind them. Just past the little child scurried a 10-year-old boy ‘walking’ on his skates—yes, like taking a walk in the park. A hockey team-member cut through a group and caused a near collision. Nearby, a four year old was reaching for his dad who was rooting him on. A young girl stopped where I was sitting. She was to become a new friend. “Did you like what I did that time?” she would ask. With a little encouragement, she would circle again and returned several more times for kudos.

Of all I observed, my mental prize went to an elderly couple, dancing a waltz with little interruption from anyone around. They had likely danced many a mile together and were really enjoying one another’s company.

As St. Augustine said, our goal is heaven and we do not journey alone. These skating observations are but a reflection of differences we may embrace along our way. Some parts of our journey are traveled more rapidly and others more slowly. If we have the opportunity to bring someone else along, let us not hesitate to adapt to their pace and help them increase their momentum just as someone has most likely done for us in the past. On parts of our journey, we will ‘skate’ for the first time and eventually become ‘champions on ice’. How ever our journey unfolds, God in all His goodness will be watching over us, encouraging us onward and supporting our meager efforts.

“Lord, those who are bowed down with burdens You lift up, and they do not fall because You are their support.”
St. Augustine—Confessions 11, 31

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
October 2007

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2007 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 14

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

It was a sunny autumn day and I was walking in a neighboring park. The air murmured from surrounding activities. Squirrels were gathering for winter nesting. Scampering dogs fetched balls for their masters. Nannies exercised behind rolling carriages and strollers. Cars rushed by. Men were falling a huge diseased elm tree. Joggers moved in all directions. The pond was being treated and filtered. Leaves had begun their descent and caretakers were putting summer equipment into storage. The fragrance of fresh-cut grass filled the air.

Along a familiar path stood favorites of mine. They are old, tall maple trees. Their high branches are covered with sleek smooth bark with leaves extending like lacy fans in the breeze. Upon the trunk of each tree, years seem to lay keepsakes. They stand straight. The trunk looks like a burning candle with melted flowing wax collecting at the base. Can you picture it? Gnarled from age the bark gathers at the base of the trunk. They are unique and usually stand-alone. This deciduous maple holds firm and steady even on stormy days. They easily weather the changing seasons because of their solid, secure base.

Somehow, they remind me of faithful Christian lives, youthful, resilient and vibrant yet growing through experience, memory, and age. Is that not the kind of faith we are called to develop? One with roots deeply embedded into all that is Christian? Strengthening our core to hold firm through the turmoil and storms of life? If we keep adding good elements and nourishing that base and core, we are more apt to be strong in weathering whatever difficulties arise. Our lives may be tethered, but we are assured that the Master desires only good for each of us. Even when all seems hopeless, we are assured that ‘winter’ will pass and ‘spring’ will return with freshness, beauty and wonder.

When I walk through these gnarled masterpieces of creation, I am reminded also of the thousands of candles that bedeck our altars and shrines. In our faith tradition, candles are symbols of prayers rising before the throne of God. Some are lit for ceremonial gatherings and others remain signs of personal prayer and petition. One lit candle can dispel the darkness. We have so many natural gifts provided to strengthen our faith and nourish hope.

“The reign of God is like a mustard seed which someone took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest seed of all, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes so big a shrub that the birds of the sky come and build their nests in its branches.” Matt 13: 31-32

Lord God, thank you for the many gifts that draw us and help us recognize the strength and steadfastness of your presence, the might of your power, the magnificence of your creation, and the magnanimity of your love. We are over whelmed by your generosity and your care. We praise and honor you. Amen.

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
September 2007

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2007 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 13

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

The notion of holiness spans the entire biblical and Christian tradition. Holiness is an essential characteristic and attribute of God. When people, places, or things are regarded as holy, it is due to God bestowing holiness on them. “There is no Holy One like the Lord; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Sam 2:2; Exod 15:11; Isa 40:25). In the Old Testament the Hebrew Kadosch (holy) meant being separated from the secular or profane, or dedicated to God’s service. This is where our Reparation Family must strive to be---HOLY and dedicated to God’s service!

In the secular world so many elements of the holiness of God have been desecrated and drawn to lowly places. Words, comments, ideas, actions, things, people, positions, even the Most Blessed Sacrament Itself has been demeaned and mocked. The Christ Who gave Himself once and for all is rebuked and scourged time and time again by the cruelty and sinfulness of humankind. No wonder we need to make reparation! The cunning and cleverness of evil skews and colors our natural surroundings so that without thinking, even good people get caught into its net.

We must remain on guard. Prayer needs to encircle our lives. Our days should be immersed in the grace of reconciliation. The strength of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass must be a flaming sword against evil. Sacrifice and pray. If we sincerely strive to remain faithful to God, all that we need will be given…and more!

Recently, in a busy marketplace, I met an Archbishop from Mombasa, Africa. Considering the poverty of third world countries, I cannot imagine his feeling and reaction at the overabundance of food and supplies of this country and how he may have desired to ease the hunger of his own people. We had the opportunity to give support to his mission, which is our call as Christians. Such poverty is overwhelming. It dutifully reminds us to be cognizant of the terminal spiritual hunger in the lives of those who are unaware of their own soulful starvation and deprivation. Blinded by loss of virtue and innocence; deafened by comfort and excess; and handicapped by fleeting beauty and false promises one can stumble over truth and ignore it producing an inch-by-inch withdrawal from the fullness of life that is Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ message is a contradiction in today’s thinking. Our Reparation Family is called to embrace it with zeal and joy! Christian holiness is a lifelong process of transformation in which we become more and more conformed to Christ, so that Christ lives in us, by faith (Gal 2:20).

The Church celebrates wondrous feasts to guide us through these autumn days. We honor the Archangels and angels, the Rosary, and saints like Francis, Wenceslaus, Cosmos and Damian, Vincent de Paul, Therese, Luke, Isaac Joques, Ignatius and Margaret Mary. Are their lives familiar to you? Their example and faith encourage and stimulate us to move onward.

Let us be open to the love of God and let our actions be informed by His love. Let us respond to God’s call to holiness. Let us pray with and for each other and center the whole of our lives toward God.

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.

Fall 2007

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; wwwReparationSisters.org
©2007 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 12

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

Whee!!!!! Zoom!!!!! Wow!!!!! The wind was gusty and strong. We were in the Gorge near the City of Hood River on the bank of the Columbia River. Washington and Oregon are divided by its relentless surge and Cascade Mountains trim its borders. Mount Hood could be seen gleaming brightly in the sun. It was a glorious day.

From shore to shore the landscape was splattered with wind surfers. This is one of the few places where the sport is successful. Amateurs persisted to glide and fall and glide and fall, while experienced surfers sped effortlessly atop the waves. It was amazing to watch. The climate and wind was perfect for this popular sport.

One does not wind surf without special apparel, equipment and gear. The board has a flexible extension that looks like a huge butterfly wing. The rider stands holding onto the mast and uses natural weight to navigate until the drifting winds catch the sail. Can you visualize it?

The Columbia is one of the longest rivers in our country. The Bonneville Dam converts the current to sustainable electric power and Cascade Locks control the thoroughfare for large ships to travel inland. While above board all looks simple and safe for the wind surfers, hidden below the glassy waters is a death-defying current in which one would not dare be caught. Why else would the Columbia River be called “mighty”?

There are times in life when we glide along like those wind surfers. Sometimes we are in “testy waters” and are not aware of the danger at hand. The life that God has given us is meant to be appreciated and enjoyed but not without caution.

We have been given many forms of “gear and equipment” to help us. We have resources to keep us strong and spiritually healthy. There are times when the “sun” is strong and bright upon the “waters” of our experiences. There are people to share our joys and sorrows, our adventures and our dreams. These are all blessings from the Lord.

As we grow and cultivate our spiritual being we move from “amateur” to “professional” in our soul’s “wind surfing.” We learn to duck, to bend, to glide and to place our energy so the “sail” of our inner spirit can be captured by the winds of the Holy Spirit. We understand more fully what “gear” to use and we learn to identify the “perfect day.”

How loving is our God for He wants us to succeed. Each time we show growth and advancement, He raises the bar to encourage us onward. He does not expect that the “gear” we used in our youth will be fitting in our adulthood so He offers the necessary “provisions” as we advance in wisdom, age and grace.

O precious and gracious Lord, sharpen my intellect and strengthen my soul. Teach me to glide upon life’s waters powered by Your grace, supported by Your might, and assured of Your mercy and forgiveness. Draw me to greater holiness and expand my spiritual horizons that I may come to know, love and serve You with all that I am and all that I have the possibility to become. Amen!

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.

Summer’s End 2007

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 S.E. 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214-5504
repsrs@comcast.net; www.ReparationSisters.org
©2007 Sisters of Reparation

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REPARATION THOUGHTS

“By His wounds we are healed…”

Volume IV, Number 11

Dear Reparation Donnés, Family and Friends,

Clang, clang, snap, clang! At all hours of the day and night the metal clips meet our flagpoles as breezes catch and furl them in the wind. Zoom, vroom, zooming sounds accompany the fragrance of fresh cut grass and varieties of bushes in sculpture. Laughter marks the passers-by on neighborhood walks. Yells and screeches characterize a street game with parents and children. Rustled leaves move with the varieties of winged creatures searching for today’s meal. Sawing of wood resonates from a new home under construction. Guitar melodies on a nearby porch are coupled with fanciful singers. Basketballs pound the blacktop as teens compete for points.

Some people resort to gardening while others bask in the sun. Books may magnetize another while sporting entices the athlete. In Portland, our bikeways and trails are filled with fair and foul weather roadsters. Campers seem to appear from nowhere for young and old to find a place of refuge. Waterways are dotted with fishing boats, skis, canoes, speedboats, inner tubes and just about anything that will float. Parks seem overcrowded by the seasonal visitors.

It is summer and life has its own peculiarities and joys. People yearn for the outdoors and fresh air. So do I. Because the weather is warmer, we tend to dress differently and eat foods that fit the occasion. When we open the windows the air is usually warm. If rain falls, we know it will soon disappear. If we sow seeds and plants, it is our expectation that they will produce growth. Fresh vegetable and fruit varieties are in greater abundance. Nature is pleasant and welcoming. When the weather is really hot, the pace of life is slower.

How does my faith and religious practice fit into summertime? Is virtue less necessary? Can I skimp on prayer? Must I maintain a regular Mass schedule? Is reconciliation needed as frequently? O my, YES! Opportunity for holiness and spiritual formation must be consistent no matter the season. And charity…charity has no season.

When we are gathering from the garden, are there others with whom we could share? As we take time to get a little extra rest, could we be sitting next to someone in a care center enjoying it together? When we are dressing for the outdoors, does our appearance tell the world that we are children of God? As we are packing for a quick boating excursion, is there someone less fortunate we could invite along? Is there an elder in our neighborhood whose grass we could cut while mowing our own? When we are canning and freezing for winter, is there extra we could share?

O good Jesus and Mother Mary, be our partners at work and rest and play. Walk with us in the rich vineyards of life. Travel with us along highways of beauty. Be with us as we refresh ourselves in lush streams and sunny hillsides. Travel with us on hiking trips and biking excursions. Picnic with us in the beauty and freshness of creation. Accept the floral bouquets from our gardens. Mark us and brand us with the fire of your love. Amen.

Mother Mary of the Angels, S.R.
August 2007