The Catholic Encyclopedia defines reparation as “the making of amends for harm or damage done to another person.” When Christ died on the cross, Jesus repaired the damage done to humanity’s relationship with God through sin. In Three Works of Reparation: God’s Divine Mercy for Our Time, Belinda Terro Mooney explains how God invites us “to help continue His Work of Reparation in the world as He offers His Divine Mercy toward us” (3).
“God has given us gifts, through His mercy, in the form of three Works of Reparation (Sacred Heart, Holy Face, and Immaculate Heart) in order to assist with the conversion of sinners falling into these sins” (4).
Mooney traces the history of these works of reparation, describing the holy men and women (some of whom are now canonized) who worked to promote them at the prompting of the Lord and the Blessed Mother. She explains how to complete the requested reparations and includes many additional prayers to help convert sinners.
The Work of Reparation through Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps bring conversion to those who have been indifferent to Jesus in the Eucharist. The popular First Friday devotion is part of this work of reparation.
The Work of Reparation through Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus helps bring conversion to those who sin against the first three commandments (idolatry, taking the Lord’s name in vain, and not observing Sunday as a holy day). St. Therese had a deep devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus.
The Work of Reparation through Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary helps bring conversion to those who have sinned against the Blessed Mother. Those who observe the First Saturday devotion in honor of the Blessed Mother take part in this work of reparation.
Three Works of Reparation: Divine Mercy for Our Times is a wonderful introduction to these three important works/devotions. Even if we cannot complete the full works of reparation, we can each do what we can and help promote these devotions. We are all sinners, and these are three ways to atone for our own sins and those of others, helping bring peace to this world and helping ourselves and others to ultimately be with God in heaven.
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