Gospel John 15:18-21 The world hated me before it hated you Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well. But it will be on my account that they will do all this, because they do not know the one who sent me.’ Reflection In John 15:18-21, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as His followers. He reminds them that rejection and persecution are signs of their commitment to Him. The world’s animosity reflects its ignorance of God, and by choosing to follow Jesus, His disciples set themselves apart from the values and norms of society. This pass...