ACC ~ 1 John 2 v15

FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD. DIDYMUS THE BLIND: Since the nature of friendship with God is such that if anyone loves this world he is an enemy of God, it follows that if someone wants to be a friend of God and dwell in God’s love, he must turn away from love of the world and the things which are in the world. COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.

THE VANITY OF THE WORLD. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: What is there in the world but vanity, which is of no use to anybody? The distractions of the present life are unnecessary and pointless, as is the excessive abundance of worldly passions. CATENA.

THE THINGS OF THE WORLD. EUCHERIUS: Do not love the world or the things in it, says the apostle, for all these things flatter our gaze with their deceptive show. Let the power of the eyes be focused on the light, not given over to error, and since that power is available for the enjoyment of life, let it not receive what causes death. EXHORTATION TO HIS KINSMAN VALERIAN.

THE DESIRES OF THE WORLD. SEVERUS OF ANTIOCH: John means the lusts and desires of the world, which are ruled by the devil. CATENA.

LOVING THAT WHICH VANISHES. HILARY OF ARLES: A wise father warns his children not to love things which quickly vanish away. This wisdom is the crowning glory of the supreme Maker of all things, and it is well-suited to everyone who is righteous. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.

AT WAR WITHIN THE SOUL. ANDREAS: Lest anyone think that he has completely broken with the system of this world, John here reminds us that something of it remains inside us and that we are attracted by it because of the desires of our flesh, which are at war with our soul. From this it may be seen that the visible world is no longer loved by those who have risen above it, who no longer contemplate temporal things but gaze on eternity instead. CATENA.

USE THE WORLD AS NEEDED. BEDE: John addresses these remarks to everyone indiscriminately, whether they are fathers, mature in their faith, whether they are just humble children or whether they are young people who are busily engaged in fighting spiritual battles. Whatever their situation, they must all learn to use the world when they have to but not to love it inordinately. ON 1 JOHN.

FLEE THE WORLD. SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN: Let us flee the world. For what have we got in common with it? Let us run and pursue until we have laid hold of something which is permanent and does not pass away, for all things perish and pass away like a dream, and nothing is lasting or certain among the things which are seen. DISCOURSES 2.14.

1 Jn