FIVE
MINUTE FRIDAY
So
now on Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just
write without worrying if it’s just right gather to share what five minutes
buys them. While the kids are changing into their swimming suits, while the
popcorn is popping, while the dog is outside doing his business, while the show
cuts to commercial. Just five minutes.
Today,
the prompt is: Mercy
So, Peter wants to know how
many times he should forgive someone. “Is it seven times, Lord?” And Jesus
responds, No Peter. Seventy times seven.
Jesus is trying to teach
Peter, and me, about mercy.
Peter is exploring the
limits of mercy. How much? How many times? But Jesus wants to blow open the
closed door that is ‘limits’, and reveal an ocean of forgiveness, of
peacemaking, of healing…of mercy.
‘Seventy times seven’ means ‘to
infinity and beyond.’ Or, like that AT&T commercial says, ‘Infinity times
infinity.’ There is no end to the mercy of the Father.
Did you hurt me…again? Did I
hurt you for the bazillionth time? We have a choice. We can put limits on
forgiveness, or mirror the limitless quality of mercy found in the Father.
I feel a bit claustrophobic
with the limits. I’d rather be boundless in mercy as he as merciful. To put
that into practice means that there is healing, forgiveness and restoration.
I want to be that instrument
of reconciliation and peace. So come with me, Spirit of God, and help me soar
on the wings of mercy. To infinity and beyond.