Transcendent mercy

Pointing out that there are seven penitential Psalms, Cassiodorus [ca. 485 – ca. 580] offered this as a reason:

Our ancestors said that there are seven ways in which sins can be forgiven us: first by baptism; second by suffering martyrdom; third by giving alms; fourth by forgiving the sins of our brothers and sisters; fifth when one converts a sinner from the error of his ways; sixth by abounding in charity; and seventh by penance. To these should be added the reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, when it is worthily received. And perhaps other ways of forgiveness can be found, since it is only fitting that the divine mercy should transcend the number of our supplications. (Cassiodorus on Ps 6; PL 70, 60)