In the Gospel story, Peter asks about forgiveness as if it’s a question on the mundane, bean-counting level of reality:  “Just tell me how many times I have to do this, and I’ll schedule them in.”

But that’s not what Jesus is calling us to.  In effect, when Peter asks how often he must forgive, Jesus answers, “As often as it takes.”

As often as it takes for forgiveness to become, not a thing you do when you have to, but the country within which you dwell—the habitual climate of your soul.  Forgive, Jesus says, until you’re no longer keeping count.  As long as you’re still counting, you haven’t done it often enough.

Seen this way, Jesus’ call to forgiveness is a working of the Holy Spirit in us that lasts a lifetime.  This week, practice a form of prayer that can lay the groundwork for that transforming work of the Spirit:

Set aside a period of time (any time from 3 to 20 minutes) when you can be free from interruption.  Choose a posture in which your body can be still and at ease, so that discomfort won’t distract you.  Close your eyes and notice your breathing. 

Start with a few deep, slow breaths, then just allow your breathing to flow gently and naturally.

Begin with an act of faith and trust:  “All praise to God, who can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.  All praise to God.”

Then rest in silence, allowing your breath to flow in and out. Each time you breathe in, breathe in God’s compassion and love for you.  When you become aware of any thoughts, feelings, concerns, breathe them out with an out-breath, entrusting them to God’s compassion and love.

Just continue breathing in and out, breathing in God’s compassion and love, and entrusting everything you become aware of—even distractions and sidetracks—to that enveloping divine compassion with your outflowing breath.

Whenever your time is up, gently return to ordinary awareness and repeat your opening prayer:  “All praise to God, who can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine—all praise to God.”