26 Jan 2020. 3rd Sunday OT. Cycle A-2020. Is 8:23–9:3 + 1Cor 1:10-13, 17 + Mt 4:12-23

When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee (Mt 4:12). … But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death. when Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place (Mt 12:14-16).

It had been said, ‘No retreat, no surrender!’

However, when the fight is rougher than necessary, it is courage to retreat. To retreat is not to run away from a fight. It is to live today to fight tomorrow. It is to withdraw in order to redraw offense.

It had been said, ‘Do not quit.’

However, when the cost exceeds the benefit, it is wise to quit. To quit is not to give up; it is to sit back to rethink.

It had been said, ‘No turning back.’

However, when one gets lost, it is wise to turn back to reorient. When the way leads to death, it is survival to back up. When the law leads to hell, it is judicious to back out.

And when life loses its spirit, it is time to retreat, to retrack, to turn back to God. VSS

“When they persecute you in one town, flee to another” (Mt 10:23).

Picture: Man on a ledge. Photo by Pixabay on pexels.com