Greetings on this the Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Deuteronomy 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41; Matthew 16:24-28
Summary
Because ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their branches (NABRE Na 2:3b).
Because ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their tendrils (RSV Na 2:3b).
Ruined branches and tendrils have an important meaning to us today.
- Branches represent the main structure of a thing – its architecture.
- Tendrils represent the supporting and relational aspects – reach and relationship.
The reference in Nahum is specific to the Assyrians and the coming attack on the capital city Nineveh by a coalition of nations thus near ending the Assyrian Empire.
The Assyrians had gained ‘the whole world‘ through plunder but eventually forfeited their lives and the lives of their children.
Or what can one give in exchange for his life? (Mt 16:26b)
The Assyrian branches were the military conquest and desire to accumulate wealth.
The Assyrian tendrils were the oppression and robbery of every people and nation they occupied.
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct (Mt 16:27).
Reflection
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? (Mt 16:26)
Jesus takes the direct application of this question to the discipleship of a Christian.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 16:24-25).
- The Jesus branches are discipleship that is not built on worldly status or accumulated wealth but on him, the root.
- The Jesus tendrils are the Cross of sacrifice – reaching outward through sacrifice, service, and concern for the Other.
Personal Reflection
What are my branches?
What are my tendrils?
That is, what is my life built on, and what does it reach toward?
As to my own soul and my own life, I reject within me what is counter to the call of Jesus.
If Nineveh is my capital city—if I use the text to name the place within me that is built on domination, greed, or self-protection—then may that city fall.
Nineveh is destroyed;
who can pity her?
Where can I find
any to console you? (Na 3:7b)
My consolation shall be in the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080726.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry