In today's gospel reading, we hear Jesus giving two messages to his disciples.

Jesus predicts that his disciples will suffer persecution because, as disciples, they will not escape their master's fate. Jesus' enemies accuse him of being possessed, and that his apparent good deeds are wrought by the Evil One in order to deceive. Jesus was put to death on the Cross. The Acts of the Apostles records stories of persecution of the early church by the Jews. Missionaries have been persecuted ever since, even unto today, by those who hate the Word.

Yet Jesus is also speaking words of comfort to his disciples. He says "Do not be afraid" three times in today's gospel reading (verses 26, 28 and 31). Not to be afraid to convert the world with the Word of God; not to be afraid of the power that cannot destroy our everlasting soul; not to be afraid because we are precious in the eyes of God.

What are we to do then? Choose Jesus!