September 17, 2023

Homily for 24 Sunday OT A

NEW TESTMENT MATHEMATICS

The title of my homily is, “New Testament Mathematics.”

In today’s gospel from Matthew we’re told to forgive 77 times. There are variations of this theme of forgiving 7 times – or 70 times 7 times or 77 times  in the 4 gospels.

Jesus liked numbers. We see them in his parables. There are the 2 brothers – one younger and one older – in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. There are the 10 bridesmaids: 5 foolish, 5 wise in that parable. There are a couple of parables of kings and masters giving servants coins or talents – and then telling them to do something with them. He told the story of the 7 brothers who died after marrying the same woman.

Jesus fed thousands – with just a few fish and a few loaves of bread.

Jesus  said no one can serve 2 Masters.

He said there are 6 days for working and 1 day for rest.

Jesus healed 10 people who had leprosy and only 1 came back to say, “Thank you.”

Jesus talked to the woman at the well and said, “Hey you had 5 husbands and the 1 you’re with now is not your husband.”

Jesus knew numbers.

He saw the 2 brothers at the Lake: Peter and Andrew - and  also 2 other brothers: James and John. He called all 4 – and others. He sent his disciples out: 2 by 2. He picked 12  as apostles, even though 1 would betray him and 1 would deny him 3 times. He said where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of you.

He talked about family fights – 2 against 3 and 3 against 2.

So Jesus knew life and the number or times we need to forgive each other our trespasses each day.

He knew the mathematics of forgiveness and the mathematics of life.

I’ll have one glass of cold water and drink to that,