Homilies on the Gospel of John

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

1. When having become virtuous we are persecuted by the wicked, or when being desirous of virtue we are mocked at by them, let us not be distracted or angry. For this is the natural course of things, and everywhere virtue is wont to engender hatred from wicked men. For envying those who desire to live properly, and thinking to prepare an excuse for themselves if they can overthrow the credit of others, they hate them as having pursuits opposite to their own, and use every means to shame their way of life. But let not us grieve, for this is a mark of virtue. Wherefore Christ also says, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own.” And in another place again, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” Wherefore also He says here, “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them.” Again He tells the reason for which they were worthy to obtain much care from the Father; “For Your sake,” He says, “they have been hated, and for Your word's sake”; so that they would be entitled to all providential care.