Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 / Matthew 16:24-25
For an empire to last about 1500 can be said to be quite remarkable by modern standards. But even in the ancient world, for an empire to last that long is certainly impressive.
The Assyrian empire lasted for more than 1500 years and its capital Nineveh was in modern day Iraq. The empire started to collapse in 612BC with the rise of the Babylonian empire.
The 1st reading is taken from the prophet Nahum. His name means "comforter". He prophesied about the end of the Assyrian empire and the destruction of its capital Nineveh.
He proclaimed peace to Judah and to celebrate their feast because Assyria will fall and be destroyed, as how he prophesied in the 1st reading.
But for the people of Judah, it would take a lot of faith and courage to believe that prophesy because they had seen how Assyria annihilated Samaria in 722BC and deported all its inhabitants such that the Northern Kingdom of Israel ceased to exist. And so the Southern Kingdom of Judah was waiting in fear of their turn.
So as with the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires, the Assyrian empire fell and what is left of it now are some artefacts of a bygone kingdom.
It only reiterates what Jesus said about what does a main gain by winning the whole world but losing his life and what can a man offer in exchange for his life.
All our achievements and accomplishments and awards would come to nothing and mean nothing if it is not done according to the will of God.
The will of God is for us to renounce ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. In the cross is our comfort and also our glory. No material gains can be offered in exchange for that. It is in the cross that we find our peace and our salvation.