In today's gospel reading (also in Mt 10:26-31) we hear Jesus say, 'Fear the one ...' and also 'Do not be afraid'. Jesus refers to God in both instances.

In dealing with persecution and repression, Jesus reminds his disciples not to fear those who can only destroy the body, and not to look for security from men, because mortal humans have no power over the soul. Men have no power to put a soul into heaven or cast it down to hell. Only God does. Hence, 'the fear of God'.

Jesus tells us to stand by our faith and speak the truth (cfr. Lk. 12:2 and 3). In this way we will not lose God. To lose God is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.

This teaching of the 'fear of God' does not cast God into an image of a harsh judge. Rather, Jesus assures us of the loving kindness of the Creator God, who looks after his creation great and small. This is the source of security. Hence, 'Do not be afraid.'

As we ponder about our own lives and those of the martyrs - whose feast we celebrate today - the words of the gospel echo so true: . . . 'do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more'. These martyrs, knew that courage and did not fear the earthly pains. Rather, they looked forward to their heavenly reward with Jesus. So, St Issac Jogues wrote to a friend: "Our single endeavor should be to give ourselves to the work and to be faithful to him."