“Jesus repeatedly speaks about “the world.” And this may confuse us.

What does Jesus mean by “the world”? Does Jesus mean that creation is bad? No.

The world that God created is good and beautiful. Jesus Himself loved the world. In fact, Scripture says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16).

So when Jesus speaks about “the world” in today’s Gospel, He means something different. He is referring to a way of living without God at the center.

It is a mindset that says: “I do not need God.” “What matters most is comfort, success, popularity, and personal gain.” “I decide for myself what is right and wrong.”

This is what Jesus warns us about—not the world itself, but worldliness. Jesus does not ask His disciples to escape the world. He sends us into the world to work, to study, to build families, to serve society.

But He prays that while living in the world, we do not lose our hearts to the spirit of the world.

And perhaps this speaks strongly to our time. Many people today are more connected but feel more lonely. Many have more comforts but less peace. Many have more achievements but less joy. Many homes have become bigger, but there is less prayer and less time for one another.

The danger is not that Christians live in the world. The danger is when the spirit of the world begins to live inside Christians.

When prayer becomes optional.

When success becomes more important than holiness.

When appearance becomes more important than character.

When being admired becomes more important than being faithful.

That is why Jesus prays: “That the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26).

Jesus is telling us: Do not let the world teach you how to live and how to love.

Let God teach you. Love as God loves. Forgive as God forgives. Live not only for yourself.

My dear brothers and sisters,

The world says:”Think of yourself first.”

Jesus says: “Love one another.”

The world says: “Win at all costs.”

Jesus says: “Remain in my love.”

The world says: “Appear successful.”

Jesus says: “Become holy.”

May we remain fully present in this world, but may our hearts always belong to Christ.

And may people who meet us experience not pride, division, or selfishness, but the love of God.”