Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away. (1 John 2:15–17 nrsv)

I have two difficulties with the above passage. The first is its exclusiveness: us against the world. This disquiet is amplified when I read "this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming," but instead of rapture is the shock upon reading that the anti-Christs “went out from us” (2:18–19), and out to where but the world. Careful readers cannot help surmising that a wrenching division must have taken place in this particular Christian community, and feel uneasy about the nearly venomous rhetoric. The second is that it goes against the basic instinct that we believe in "the Word made flesh." (Of course, I also secretly complain, is not this world delicious and interesting?)

A good way to appreciate an element of truth is to note that St. John the Elder is most emphatic about the love of others, which is closely tied to the love of the Father (3:11 or 4:20). I am more sympathetic to hear St. John proclaiming, "Do not love the world lest you will lose the love of people." One wonders why though. The answer turns on cravings of sinful human nature and blind trust on ourselves and our possessions. Surely, a pre-occupation of worldly goods can have the effect of so focusing inwardly on the self that one forgets the people one bumps into every day. In this light, the remark that this world is passing away is no banal reminder of the transitory character of life. It is a challenge for us to decide what is real and of abiding significance: community, neighbors, and the enjoyment of the world with them, or the solo possession of the same.

O God, teach us to love this world rightly and use well the worldly goods you have granted us. Amen.

Contributed by Hon-Wai
Monday June 4, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 28
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday Gospel reading:
The Holy Trinity