The command to forgive “seventy-seven” times is not a multiplication problem that equals 490. Rather, what is being demanded of us is an infinite and perpetual readiness to forgive. The number seven represents perfection and expressing it as seventy-seven shows the importance of an infinite disposition towards forgiveness.
This command flips around what was stated in Genesis concerning vengeance, “If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” In this thought process no matter how small the offense would be met with endless retaliation. Jesus takes this mindset and turns it around to where we are called to embrace infinite mercy.
As we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” To possess such forgiveness we must realize that it is rooted in God. Human forgiveness is not a natural human output because it is a response and participation in the divine mercy that we have already received from God.
Forgiveness is not the acceptance of evil nor does forgiveness mean that we must be someone’s best friend. Forgiveness requires calling a sin what it truly is. Forgiveness releases personal vengeance, but does not eliminate the demand for justice. Forgiveness is not forgetting the harm done to us, but is to look upon an offense without the desire for malice.
Forgiveness is an act of the will to release the debt which is owed, to forgo vengeance, and to desire the spiritual good of the offender. Each time that resentment resurfaces the choice to forgive must be renewed. Through forgiveness we break the bond of resentment allowing the victim to heal and live in spiritual freedom.
In order to forgive we must not confuse feeling with deciding. Feelings of pain, anger, or grief are involuntary reactions to injustice. A feeling of anger does not mean that you have failed to forgive. Forgiveness is an active choice of the will where we refuse vengeance and thus the desire to wish harm upon another. We can choose to forgive while the heart still hurts.
Forgiveness is a process and not a one time event. In forgiving seventy-seven times we are not being told to forgive seventy-seven different offenses only, but to forgive the same offense perfectly. Old wounds can easily be reopened through memories, anniversaries, or seeing the individual. Each time such bitterness returns we are presented with the opportunity to renew our decision to forgive instead of giving into unforgiveness.
In the Eucharist we see self-sacrificing love and through it we are given the strength to extend mercy that we can never give through our human effort. Through the sacrament of confession we allow God’s grace to heal our wounds by clearing away any resentment and hatred that has taken root in our heart. Let us embrace such perfect forgiveness as we direct our sight towards the altar of sacrifice and thus Christ present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist.
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