Before explaining reparation, we need to explain the results of a sinful act. A sinful act has two results: guilt and spiritual damage to the soul. Contrition and forgiveness are necessary to remove the guilt. The damage to the soul requires reparation. If one dies without repairing all damage but has been forgiven, one must go to Purgatory. An unpaid debt is a kind of injustice. Only a perfect virtue of justice as well as the other virtues will make it possible to see God in Heaven. “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5).
Reparation is repairing a wrong, and in the above case repairing a sinful act. Let us look at an example. If one breaks a neighbor’s window, it is not enough to just apologize. One must repair the broken window. The same goes for sin against God and neighbor. One needs to be sorry and repair the damage done by sin.
After our sins are forgiven, we must repair the damage. We need to repair our sins and those of others. Again, reparation restores justice. Reparation removes an injustice, which is a blockage to a fuller flow of grace into the soul. Reparation for our sins and the sins of others is an act of religion, part of justice. Reparation for the sins of others is also an act of charity and an act of mercy. There is no better way to fulfill the Divine Mercy devotion than to make and spread the First Saturdays.
Reparation is an act of religion but must be motivated by love of God and neighbor. We are obliged to love our neighbor. Reparation and prayer for the salvation of souls is part of the greatest love for our neighbors and helps fulfill our obligation to love them. This reparation can make it possible for others to receive the graces that will lead them to salvation. What greater gift can we give our neighbor than eternal life?
Among mere creatures, our obligation to our Spiritual Mother Mary is the greatest. One can console her by making reparation for one’s sins and those of others. Again, reparation for sin is motivated by love for God. Our love for Our Lady, and for one’s neighbor is for the sake of loving God.
Reparation is a key idea that is repeated throughout the entire Fatima Message. We can pay other people’s bills so to speak. By doing this, we can help graces flow through the Church into the world to ultimately bring peace and the salvation of many souls. Justice toward God and Our Lady comes before justice toward others and before social justice. It is a matter of paying debts so graces can flow freely. We need to pay for the debts of sin by reparation so that we may approach God more worthily. Yet, it is by the grace of the Holy Spirit that we are moved to make reparation. If we are making reparation for sin, we know the Holy Spirit is working through us.