Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Numbers are very important in the transmission of  the Word of God, both in the Old Testament and the  New Testament. Numbers in Jewish thought have a  mystical quality which may not be understood very  readily, since in Hebrew letters and numbers are the  same. Depending on the compilation of letters they  convey a particular sum and a particular meaning. We  find that in today’s Gospel. Dear Peter, bumbling as  usual, is trying to put a restriction on the dispensing of mercy and forgiveness. Of course, he is in for  another shock. What he thinks is appropriate is  dismissed by Our Lord and replaced with an astronomical sum, i.e. infinite!

We may also find ourselves in the “generously apportioned” mercy and forgiveness that Peter wants to  dispense, but Christ has a different proposal and like  other things our Lord drops in our laps “It Ain’t Easy.”  How then do we imitate our Lord when He gives  us a challenger like this? For myself, I try to always  recall the words that Jesus spoke when He was on  the Cross: “Father forgive them for they know not  what they do.” From His soon to be pierced Heart  the Savior forgives from His Heart those who have  so maliciously put Him on it.

Because we are His disciples, we strive to do our  best in following the example He gave. But it takes  time and God is patient with us. Most often, we have  to take “baby steps” when it comes to forgiving from  our heart, and we know that with God’s grace all  things are possible. Be patient with yourself and be  patient with God and in time the forgiveness that  seemed impossible will happen. 

Today at the 10:30 Mass we will commission the  Catechists who give so very much of their time  and teaching expertise to guide the children of our  parish in the ways of Faith. Their own personal Faith in Christ spurs them on to evangelize the innocent  hearts and minds that hunger for the Lord. Let us  always support, encourage and be grateful to them  for this most important ministry in our parish. May  God, Who began the good work in them, continue to  bring it to fruition. 

With Blessings, 

Father Langan