In this passage, Jesus implies that although the disciples are in the world, they are not from it. They are distinct from the world because they are new, changed people through Jesus' call and teaching.
There was a time when the disciples, like everyone else, were entirely part of the world, but God chose them out of the world. Subsequent events reveal that
their faith certainly wasn't exemplary, but they did believe in Jesus and accepted the revelation he brought. This was enough to show that they belonged to God.
In John's Gospel, “the world" does not mean simply the physical universe as we know it. It means the world as it has rebelled against God, chosen darkness instead of light, and organised itself to oppose the Creator. Seen from within that “world,” Jesus is from elsewhere, a different kingdom. So, too,
are God’s people. In other words, the world they find themselves in is not their true home.
The disciples needed to be kept from being pulled back into “the world” with all its wickedness and rebellion. Jesus did not pray that they would be taken out of the world; they were to remain in the world as his witnesses. Jesus prayed that they would be protected from “the evil one.”
St. Ignatius taught that “the bad spirit” is constantly at
work in the world, trying to draw our focus off Christ and using any means necessary to make us doubt our belovedness in God’s eyes.
How are you actively resisting the evil one in your life? How are you remembering your belovedness and worth in God's eyes?
Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor
