Why we have to forgive Seventy Seven times or Seventy times Seven?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 3rd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 18:21-35*

*First Reading : Dn 3:25, 34-43*

*Why we have to forgive Seventy Seven times or Seventy times Seven?*

*1) The meaning of Seventy times Seven or Seventy Seven times*

The seventy seven times symbolises, unlimited times 

It is not 77 times or seventy times Seven, which would come around 490 times 

This number simply stands for unlimited times and in forgiving there is no number is applied 

*2) Forgiveness can't be counted and Given*

There are many things in the world which can be counted and given. For example money, material things, etc 

But forgiveness is something which comes in the spiritual realm, which go beyond counting

In counting there is a beginning and there is a end point. It can't go on indefinitely

But in forgiveness there can't be limits and it can't be measured in terms of numbers 

*3) Why Seventy times Seven?*

None of are able to count our weaknesses

Even taken as single day, to count our weaknesses from morning till evening, it becomes a herculean task to remember all our weaknesses and to count them 

There is no human being who has succeeded in counting his own or others weakness

If one can't find out the number of ones weaknesses, then How one can even think of forgiving only few times?

*4) Confessional have no expiry dates and limited time*

Confessional is a place where we experience the forgiveness of God

Such place has no limited time and expiry date

One can go at any time and at any moment to experience the forgiveness of the Lord 

*5) Benefits of Forgiving*

There are unlimited  benefits and advantages in forgiving the other and experiencing the God's mercy  

Peace of mind

Divine experience

One feels happy 

One is able to inspire others 

One is able to understand others 

Renewed relationship

Disputes is solved 

Resources are saved 

Time is saved 

Stepping stone for success in other fields 

We become good persons 

God forgives us 

*6) Am I ready to Forgive seventy times Seven*

How does it sound in my life?

What are my difficulties in practicing this formula in life?*

Seventy times Seven is a very practical principle in life

Use Seventy times Seven formula to experience the divine mercy and Love 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*