Homilies on the Gospel of John

“The world cannot hate you;” (how should it hate those who desire, and who run for the same objects as itself?) “but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”

“That is, because I upbraid and rebuke it, therefore I am hated.” From this let us learn to master our anger, and not to give way to unworthy passion, though they be mean men who give us counsel. For if Christ meekly bore with unbelievers counseling Him, when their counsel was improper and not from any good intention, what pardon shall we obtain, who being but dust and ashes, yet are annoyed with those who counsel us, and deem that we are unworthily treated, although the persons who do this may be but a little humbler than ourselves? Observe in this instance how He repels their accusation with all gentleness; for when they say, “Show Yourself to the world,” He replies, “The world cannot hate you, but Me the world hates”; thus removing their accusation. “So far,” He says, “am I from seeking honor from men, that I cease not to reprove them, and this when I know that by this course hatred is produced against and death prepared for Me.” “And where,” asks some one, “did He rebuke men?” When did He ever cease to do so? Did He not say, “Think not that I will accuse you to the Father? There is one that accuses you, even Moses.” And again; “I know you, that you have not the love of God in you”: and “How can you believe, who receive honor from men, and seek not the honor that comes from God only?” Do you see how He has everywhere shown, that it was the open rebuke, not the violation of the Sabbath, which caused the hatred against Him?

And wherefore does He send them to the feast, saying,