PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION
Nahum 2:1, 3, 3:1-3, 6-7; Psalm – Deuteronomy 32; Matthew 16:24-28
The first reading speaks of the restoration of Israel and the ruining of the city Nineveh. Barne’s noted on this passage saying; “Nineveh falls, because God restores His people, whom it had oppressed. The restoration of God’s favor to His Church is the season of His punishment of their enemies; as, again, His displeasure against her enemies is a token of His favor to her. When Herod was smitten by God, “the word of God grew and multiplied” Acts 12:24.” This explains God’s might. The response to the psalm of today says “It is the Lord who deals death and life.” God looks upon proud cities, and brings them down. Therefore, let us not take God’s patience and love for granted. Exercise caution in the days of excellence.
In the Gospel Jesus says; if we want to be his true follower we must take up our cross. This is a condition for authentic Christian life. Denial of the cross is satanic and so Jesus said to Peter “Get behind me Satan…” Christians therefore must learn to accept the cross and follow Jesus. The call is tough, but the reward is matchless. With the many aberrations today, true followers must proceed with extreme caution.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us. May we not take your love, care and gifts for granted.
