If you count (forgiveness) it is not forgiveness

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

24th Week – Sunday

Gospel – Matthew 18: 21 – 35

First Reading Sirach 27:30-28:7

Second Reading - Romans 14:7-9

If you count (forgiveness) it is not forgiveness

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

1) There are things which are beyond counting category

There are many things in our life which we can not count at all. Some of the example are as follows

Love can't be counted. There is no method to value love or to count it

God's mercy can't be counted

Truth can't be counted in terms of number 

Humility can't be counted 

Sincerity can't be counted in terms of number. There is no upper limit to say only this many times you can say the Truth. Such a thing does not stand at all

Relationship can't be counted 

Generosity can't be counted 

So there are many things which go beyond the category of counting 

2) Forgiveness belongs to the non-countable category

There is no yard stick which can be used for measuring the forgiveness

There is no rule which states that only this many times one can forgive the other 

The nature of forgiveness is such it can't be counted at any time and at any cost. 

It is beyond all measurements

3) Counting goes against the nature of forgiveness

Peter wanted to forgive 7 times. Which according to his calculation is one of the best generous act, and there can't be more generous act than this.

But Jesus does not agree with this calculation. Instead of 7 times Jesus says 77 times 

Thus Jesus declares that forgiveness can't be counted and it should be counted 

4)The meaning of 77 times

Some people may think that even 77 times can be counted and the number 77 is within the countable reach. 

The 77 number does not stand for the numerical countable of 77. 

It is a figurative language which is used by Jesus to say that it is not 7 times but we need to forgive even more than 77 times if needed. 

So the ultimately the meaning of Jesus' argument is very simple. Don't count when you have to forgive. If you need to forgive again and again do so without counting it. That's the nature of forgiveness

5) If God counts forgiveness what would happen?

Let's say that God forgives only five times. If so what would happen to us? 

After fifth time there would not be any possibility to confess ones sins and to get the forgiveness for the sins committed thereafter. 

Since human nature is prone to sin again and again we need to confess our sins again and again. In this context there is no question of counting the forgiveness. 

If God counts and forgives only for a fixed time then who would survive.

*LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?* Psalm 130:3

6) God does not count the forgiveness

The sacrament of reconciliation is one of the best examples for this 

There is no specification as regard with the maxim number of times that one can go for confession. 

One can go for confession as many times as possible depending on the need of a person 

A person can go for confession many times and each time when he/she confesses his/her sins, they are forgiven. The last words which come from the priest are as follows Your sins are forgiven, go in peace

So it is clear indication that forgiveness goes  beyond countable things 

7) Do I count and forgive others

What is my logic with regard to the forgiveness?

God's logic is very clear. It goes uncountable numbers 

At times I may count and forgive others. Or I may refuse to forgive others 

But the fact is that *Who am I to count the forgiveness?* 

*Who am I to refuse the forgiveness? When the Lord is ready to forgive my sins for uncountable times*

Think about it

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore