We continue Jesus' apostolic discourse to his apostles and all those who do the work of evangelisation. He reminds his followers very clearly that they can expect no better treatment than he himself received. So Christians are to show no surprise at violence and abuse against them. If they treated the Master and Lord in this way, his followers can expect no better treatment. At the same time, much of Jesus' teaching to his disciples was done quietly and away from the crowds. His disciples were not to reveal his identity as Messiah. People at that stage were not ready and could have misinterpreted the true meaning of his teaching. Later on it would be the duty of his disciples to deliver the message in its entirety and without fear. So, some of those who proclaim the Gospel were going to be threatened even with losing their lives, a fact that is testified to by a long list of martyrs over the centuries.

But far worse than physical death is the "loss of one's soul", that is, the death of one's integrity. There are some values which transcend our physical survival. To betray such a value in order to live a bit longer is to lose one's soul. Paul understood this, so did Bishop Oscar Romero and many, many others. To be unfaithful to our deepest beliefs and convictions is a fate worse than death.