Mar
17
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
"Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" - Mt 18:21
The number seven appears in the Bible more than 700 times. It comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to be full," "to be satisfied," and "to have enough." Seven denotes spiritual perfection, divine fullness, and totality. So what can this number tell us about today's readings?
In our first reading, we see the three Hebrews cast into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. They know that God can save them, but even if He will not, they promise to remain faithful (see Dan 3:17). From within the furnace, they proclaim their trust in God and humbly ask for Him to deal with them according to His mercy. Spoiler alert: The men emerge completely unharmed, even though the white-hot furnace was heated to seven times more than usual (see Dan 3:19).
In today's Psalm (25), the Psalmist asks, "Remember no more the sins of my youth; / remember me according to your mercy, / because of your goodness, LORD." That verse? Number seven.
Today's Gospel reading says we are to forgive not as many as seven times, but "seventy-seven times" (see Mt 18:21-22). Jesus then explains in a parable that the degree of mercy we show must reflect the mercy of the Father. We will be dealt with accordingly. You can count on it.
Prayer: Merciful Savior, when it is hard for me to forgive, I will remember Your Cross.
See all meditations to date
The number seven appears in the Bible more than 700 times. It comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to be full," "to be satisfied," and "to have enough." Seven denotes spiritual perfection, divine fullness, and totality. So what can this number tell us about today's readings?
In our first reading, we see the three Hebrews cast into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. They know that God can save them, but even if He will not, they promise to remain faithful (see Dan 3:17). From within the furnace, they proclaim their trust in God and humbly ask for Him to deal with them according to His mercy. Spoiler alert: The men emerge completely unharmed, even though the white-hot furnace was heated to seven times more than usual (see Dan 3:19).
In today's Psalm (25), the Psalmist asks, "Remember no more the sins of my youth; / remember me according to your mercy, / because of your goodness, LORD." That verse? Number seven.
Today's Gospel reading says we are to forgive not as many as seven times, but "seventy-seven times" (see Mt 18:21-22). Jesus then explains in a parable that the degree of mercy we show must reflect the mercy of the Father. We will be dealt with accordingly. You can count on it.
Prayer: Merciful Savior, when it is hard for me to forgive, I will remember Your Cross.
See all meditations to date
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