This past Sunday at Mass we read the passage from Matthew in which Peter asks Jesus if we must forgive seven times the one who has offended us (Mt 18:21-35). Studies about first Century Palestine tell us that, at that time, some teachers of the Jewish faith suggested that a good Israelite should forgive three times those who wronged him. Peter sensed that, to Jesus—who was so obviously always interested in mercy and reconciliation—the three times that were taught would seem insufficient. So he went ahead, took the floor, and suggested something that, in his view, would earn him praises from the Lord: he doubled the recommended three times and, just in case, added one more: seven. Jesus would surely answer him, «Very good, dear Peter! Yes, absolutely, it is seven times! You do understand me, my friend!»
We all know Jesus’ reply, which undoubtedly stunned good old Peter: «I don't tell you seven, but seventy times seven.»
What is the difference between the mentality expressed by Peter and that of Jesus? For the apostle, forgiveness was an act. An action. An action that could be repeated, but which, no matter how many times it was carried out, could still be counted (this is the meaning of Peter’s “seven times”). Jesus’ response indicates that for us forgiveness should not an act, but an attitude: seventy times seven (that is, always). In other words, our normal way of reacting to the offense received.
This difference is not small, because a specific action does not define us—but an attitude does. I can lie once, and that will not make me a liar. Or I may have had a good idea one day, and this will not mean that I am a genius. An attitude, on the other hand, does define what kind of person we are. Someone who wakes up every day with a new original idea in his head is a genius, and someone who lies constantly is a liar. Ultimately, what Jesus proposes is that the ability to forgive others is what defines us. That forgiveness may become, as it were, our ID, the most genuine expression of our character.
On a spiritual level there is, of course, a compelling reason for trying to make sure that we don’t see forgiveness as an act but as an attitude: for whoever does not make a habit of forgiveness will not understand God. To those who live installed in resentment and in grievance, the Merciful Father of Jesus will be nonsense, an un-believable God (in whom, literally, one cannot believe), a ridiculous being, weak and pointless. Conversely, learning to forgive is probably the one thing that can bring us to a better understanding of the loving Father announced by Jesus.
We all know Jesus’ reply, which undoubtedly stunned good old Peter: «I don't tell you seven, but seventy times seven.»
What is the difference between the mentality expressed by Peter and that of Jesus? For the apostle, forgiveness was an act. An action. An action that could be repeated, but which, no matter how many times it was carried out, could still be counted (this is the meaning of Peter’s “seven times”). Jesus’ response indicates that for us forgiveness should not an act, but an attitude: seventy times seven (that is, always). In other words, our normal way of reacting to the offense received.
This difference is not small, because a specific action does not define us—but an attitude does. I can lie once, and that will not make me a liar. Or I may have had a good idea one day, and this will not mean that I am a genius. An attitude, on the other hand, does define what kind of person we are. Someone who wakes up every day with a new original idea in his head is a genius, and someone who lies constantly is a liar. Ultimately, what Jesus proposes is that the ability to forgive others is what defines us. That forgiveness may become, as it were, our ID, the most genuine expression of our character.
On a spiritual level there is, of course, a compelling reason for trying to make sure that we don’t see forgiveness as an act but as an attitude: for whoever does not make a habit of forgiveness will not understand God. To those who live installed in resentment and in grievance, the Merciful Father of Jesus will be nonsense, an un-believable God (in whom, literally, one cannot believe), a ridiculous being, weak and pointless. Conversely, learning to forgive is probably the one thing that can bring us to a better understanding of the loving Father announced by Jesus.
