The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
St. Frances of Rome, religious



Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9
Matthew 18:21-35



A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel we see Peter trying to figure out the extent of his obligation to forgive. It seems funny, because Peter asks as though he needs to know precisely what is expected of him - no more, no less.

Since it was to Peter and his successors that Christ gave the power and obligation to forgive sin, the question is substantive and goes to the very heart of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is something Peter, whether he realizes it or not, will definitely need to know.

Is it "77 times" that we must forgive, as the latest edition of the New American Bible says, or is it 70x7 times, as the older edition of the New American Bible, the Douay-Rheims, the Jerusalem, the Catholic RSV and the King James bibles say, or what?

According to the Fathers of the Church, it's not "77 times" or "70x7 times" (which in either case is a lot of times to forgive someone), but as often as needed, in imitation of God Who has shown such great mercy.

Aren't you glad Peter asked?


~ Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS | email: drn3rd@hughes.net