Numbers

Matthew 18:21-35

          What did you give up for lent? Are you going to Friday night stations of the cross?  Are you following a prescribed Lenten program? A Novena?

          This reading, which I've had the opportunity to reflect on before, has something symbolic in it as yesterday's reading does. In yesterday's reading, Naamam was told to wash in the Jordan "7" times. In today's reading, Jesus said to forgive not up to 7 times, but "70 x 7" times. Numbers.

          Numbers have always held significance to humans. For a mathematician their whole world might seem to make sense by looking at numbers. To a symbologist numbers may have a different meaning. Most people are aware of the supposed meaning of  "666". Less familiar is the number "7" which represents infinity. The number three has meaning for its reference to the Trinity. The Judaic symbol "chai" ( to life!) is represented by the number "18". When people give checks or money for a Bar Mitzvah the gift is usually in multiples of 18. Numbers are all around us but I certainly would not let them rule my life even if they do appear in the Bible. 

         I suppose a similar belief might be astrology. Like numerology, there is some truth there but I would not let my life be ruled by it. Astrology can be an aid to life, perhaps even an aid to worship or as a source of increased enlightenment but certainly not (for me anyway) a primal guide on my journey. That comes from God the Father and my Lord, Jeus Chist.

        Since God created all and His universe speaks of Him, gives hints and visions of Him, I see no reason not to look at all the universe, including numerology, astrology and heaven knows what else to worship God. All can be a source to seek him out. Our danger, as with anything, is taking one thing or one view and making it a sole source of wisdom, worship or knowledge.

        What are you giving up for Lent? How are you preparing for Lent? Do not be limited by tradition unless you truly find richness in it. Exploring God's world is a gracious gift and homage to the Creator. Open scripture, go for a nature walk, explore, imagine, expand your mind, play, love, appreciate what you have been graced with. All are means to the Glory of God. 

           

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’