I have chosen you out of the world.

“If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” (JN 15: 19) 

The opposition between “the world” and Our Lord is not the opposition between nature, God’s creation, and its Creator, but between the world, which is ego-centered, and Our Lord, Who invited us to give our lives to be free, creative, and joyful gifts of self. Ego/world doesn’t like to lose its position—to dominate, to be always right and first; love is happy seeing others growing, being better, and bringing more beauty and happiness to others. 

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Gospel Acclamation)