Gospel
Matthew 10:24-33
Jesus said to his Apostles: "No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! "Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

Reflection
This is one of the final things that Jesus is saying to His disciples about their ministry of proclaiming truth. They will experience resistance, even destruction. And He makes it so clear. Do not be afraid. Know that I am there. I will protect you. I will be your source of endurance and strength.

Closing prayer
Father, our fear is often because we rely too much on ourselves. Help us to understand the gift that you give us that gives us the courage to be who were called to be and not to fear the enemy. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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