Seventy-seven

Today’s Gospel is the Jesus standard for forgiveness. Seventy-seven times is a metaphor for infinity when it comes to forgiveness. Civil societies in the west today know of no such compassion when it comes to forgiveness. This is nothing like “three strikes and you’re out.” The same standard is found in The Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our trespasses, just as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If I expect to be forgiven I must forgive. Not easily practiced or accomplished, but it is the standard to which I am called. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Time after time in the Gospel there no room is given for harsh judgement. Mercy always. Peace.