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In the intricate fabric of our world, ironies and contradictions manifest themselves in surprising ways. An obvious example of this paradox is seen in those who dismiss the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout their life, but when faced with the approach of death, suddenly long for salvation and heaven. This phenomenon, revealing the complexity of human nature, is clearly reflected in funerals.
On numerous occasions, we have witnessed the peculiarity of post-mortem perception. It is common to hear expressions like \”there is no bad death\” or \”no dead person ends up in hell.\” It is ironic that, even though the deceased person may have disparaged God with his actions, thoughts and attitudes, at his funeral no one dares to suggest that he has gone to hell. Rather, family and friends choose to express wishes for peace and raise phrases such as \”May God rest his soul.\” This behavior highlights the complexity of social beliefs and practices around death and spirituality; without leaving aside, of course, the human denial that fails to accept even its own reality full of evil, sin and general disobedience.
Throughout existence, humanity tends to ignore the wise counsel and teachings that the Scriptures offer us. However, when they find themselves in hopeless situations, when they hit rock bottom and despair takes over, human beings seek God\’s help, a divine refuge in critical moments.
It is intriguing to observe how, while enjoying health, wealth, family or apparent independence, the majority neglect the search for God. The average person, in his daily life, postpones or avoids spiritual reflection when he is at the peak of his abilities and comforts. However, in times of need, the perspective changes dramatically.
The paradox is that humanity often awakens spiritually when prosperity fades, resources are depleted, and health disappears. This behavior reveals the tendency to trust in oneself while everything is under control, but turn to divinity in the midst of vulnerability. It is a reminder of human frailty and the constant need for spiritual connection, even in good times.
The irony persists: the human being can live a large part of his existence apart from God, but when adversity presses, the search for the transcendental becomes urgent. This phenomenon highlights the importance of cultivating an ongoing relationship with the divine, not only in crises, but also in the fullness of daily life. The constant pursuit of God, regardless of circumstances, offers a more balanced and meaningful path in this journey called life.
All of this brings us to our central thought for this day: Why does the world hate Jesus?
Today we dive into the deep meaning of why the world hates our Lord Jesus Christ, despite his wonderful works. We find clear answers in the Gospel according to Saint John, chapters 7 and 15.
First, let us reflect on the benevolent works of Jesus. The world does not hate him for healing the sick, walking on water, curing lepers, feeding multitudes, crying for the people or for being born in the most humble way in Bethlehem of Judea. In reality Jesus the Lord is not hated because of his earthly origin, because of his childhood in Nazareth or because he was known as the carpenter\’s son. No, the truth of hatred of the Lord is simpler and more direct, the world hates Jesus because Jesus testifies that the works of the world are evil. They hate him because Jesus refuses to be a part of his crimes and sins. They hate him because Jesus does not participate in their drunkenness, orgies, adulteries, idolatries and general corruption. They hate him because Jesus does not tolerate injustice and will never agree with man\’s carnality and worldly desires. They hate him because he would never say yes to his lies, his hypocrisy, his envy, his greed, that is the crux of the matter and the central reason why the world hates Jesus of Nazareth; because he is not of this world and does not practice the sin of the world. On the contrary, it calls us to repentance, which simply means a change of thought. In Matthew chapter 3 verse 2 we read: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In Saint John, chapter 7, verses 1 to 7, we see how Jesus faces hostility as he walks in Galilee, avoiding Judea, where the Jews seek to kill him. His own brothers urge him to display his works publicly, but Jesus reveals that his time has not yet come. It is the Lord Jesus himself who declares the reason why the world hates him: “the world hates him because he testifies that his works are evil.”
Have you noticed how nothing has changed until today, exactly the same thing happens. How many people are persecuted in the world for the truth? How many defenders of the poor have been murdered for publicly asking for justice? How much blood have the powerful in the governments of the world shed in order to remain in the seat of power? How much have they become unjustly enriched by the sweat and blood of the weak?
Human beings, due to their sinful nature, participate in various forms of sin in the world. I present some examples that reflect the variety of sinful behaviors:
Lying: Falsehood in words and actions, deceiving others for personal gain.
Greed: Obsession with wealth and material possession, even at the expense of others.
Lust: Seeking sexual gratification outside the limits established by God, such as promiscuity and pornography.
Anger and Hate: Harboring resentments, getting angry without just cause and seeking revenge.
Envy: Excessive desire for the possessions, successes or qualities of others, leading to negative feelings and competitive attitudes.
Pride: Arrogance and self-exaltation, putting others down and refusing to recognize the need for God.
Theft: Misappropriation of the property of others, whether physically or intellectually.
Violence: Participation in acts of physical or verbal violence, causing harm to others.
Social Injustice: Contributing to or benefiting from systems that oppress others, such as discrimination and exploitation.
Idolatry: Giving excessive importance to earthly objects, people, or goals instead of focusing on God.
Gossip: Irresponsible dissemination of information, often harmful, about other people\’s lives.
Spiritual Negligence: Neglect of the relationship with God, ignoring his commandments and turning away from a life centered on divine principles.
These examples illustrate the wide range of sins that humans practice in the world, reminding us of the constant need for repentance, forgiveness, and the redeeming grace of God through Jesus Christ.
In Saint John, chapter 15, verses 18 to 27, Jesus warns his disciples about the hatred of the world. He reminds them that if the world hates them, it is because it has already hated Him. The world loves its own, but as followers of Christ, we are chosen and set apart from the world. Persecution will come because of his name, because the world does not know the Father who sent him.
Brothers and sisters, hatred of Jesus is inevitable for those who live in darkness. Living in darkness means living in spiritual ignorance; those who live in darkness lack deep knowledge or understanding of spiritual truth. They are far from the revealing light of divine wisdom.
Living in darkness means distancing yourself from the presence and will of God. Life is guided by earthly values and is lived in disobedience to divine principles.
Darkness also symbolizes slavery to sin and disordered passions. Those who live in darkness may be trapped in destructive habits and sinful behaviors.
On the contrary, living in the Light is synonymous with knowledge and truth: Living in the light implies an intimate connection with the truth revealed by God. It is living in the knowledge of his Word and understanding spiritual reality.
To live in the truth is to have communion with God: Those who live in the light seek a close relationship with God. His life is characterized by constant communion, prayer and obedience to the divine will.
A person who lives in the light lives with righteousness and holiness: Light represents purity and holiness. Those who live in the light seek a righteous life, avoiding sin and striving to reflect the holiness of God.
Practical examples:
Darkness: Ignoring the importance of spirituality, living according to carnal desires, and turning away from the search for divine truth.
Light: Commit to Bible reading, cultivate a life of prayer, and strive to live in accordance with ethical and moral principles based on the Word of God.
Living in darkness means separating yourself from divine guidance, while living in light means embracing truth, communion with God, and the constant pursuit of holiness. As believers, our task is to be lights in the darkness, showing the way to the truth and love of Christ.
It is not because of his miracles or his love, but because his light reveals the truth. Let us continue to bear witness to Christ, knowing that, although the world hates us, we are called to be lights that shine in the darkness. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us in our mission to proclaim the Gospel and live according to the will of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
