From today’s Scripture: “Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” —Mt 18:21-22

It is interesting that this conversation between Peter and Jesus comes right after the discussion on “binding and loosing” and the forgiveness offered when someone sins against another. In it we get to see something of the economy of salvation. Peter asks about forgiveness and, referencing the number seven, we might speculate that he is referring to God’s own forgiveness and how we model this given the status of the number throughout the Bible.

What is Christ’s response? It is to say that the forgiveness of God and his kingdom is infinite and perfect—indeed it is beyond our capacity to understand or comprehend—if only we were to ask for it. It is often noted that sin separates us from God and this is true. But in my experience it is shame of sins past committed that maintains the separation. Still, we might ask, what is greater, our shame or the mercy of God?

Let us pray: Merciful and loving Father, lead us always to yourself and, by your Holy Spirit, let us remember the love shown in Christ who came to us in the incarnation and offers us love everyday.

Today’s author is Nathan Smith, the director of ecumenism for Glenmary and consultant for the U.S. Catholic bishops.

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