We all know that some parts of Scripture are more well-known, are more often read than others. Among the lesser-read books are those of the twelve minor prophets. And among the lesser-read of the minor prophets is surely the prophet Nahum.
Today, in fact, is the only time in the Church’s calendar that we hear from Nahum. He is completely absent from Sunday Masses, and only once every even-numbered year do we hear today’s first reading.
Destruction of the Assyrian Empire
Nahum foretells the destruction of Nineveh and, with it, of the Assyrian Empire. This empire was the most powerful force on Earth for two or three centuries (more if you count the first Assyrian Empire that ruled in the previous millenium). The prophet describes well the experience of the people oppressed by the Assyrians. With our imagination we see, hear and feel the Assyrians’ chariots, horses, whips, swords and spears. Worst of all are the mounting corpses of Assyria’s victims.
Nowhere with Nahum do we find the words expressed by God through Ezekiel: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live.” (Ez. 33:11) Nahum describes with the enthusiasm of a prophet the end of all the evils perpetrated by Assyria.
Conversion and Destruction
We followers of Christ glory in the conversion of sinners, and there have been in our history impressive examples of conversion. There have also been instances of destruction of sinners.
The Roman Empire provides a great example. For almost three centuries Christians were killed for their faith, until the conversion of Emperor Constantine. After this event it became popular to seek baptism and enter the Church. Many who entered for less than ideal motives began spreading Arianism. This false belief about Christ seemed poised to become the dominant faith of the Empire, but it turned out differently. By the time the true faith in Jesus won out, the vast majority of citizens of the Empire had been baptized Catholic. The Empire had converted.
There were exceptions, though. Shortly after the Arians had attained their peak of power, Julian the Apostate became emperor. Julian wanted to restore the pagan religion, opposing both Catholic and Arian. It seemed as if persecution of Christianity might once more become the norm, but then Julian died in battle against the Persians in his second year of rule.
I am not aware of any Christian writing celebrating the death of Julian the way Nahum celebrates the end of Assyria, but there must have been at least some sighs of relief.
Evil Today
In our society today, evil seems so widespread that some have the temptation to despair. We should remember that nothing in this world lasts forever. The might of Assyria, which seemed invincible, passed. So, too, will all the evils we experience. May the Book of Nahum always remind us of this.
May they pass indeed
Thank you Father Mike for the reminder that all evils we are currently experiencing will come to an end. Praise God for His mercy!