Words from St. Francis de Sales, to a lady:
"My dearest daughter,
You will often be amongst the children of this world who, according to their custom, will laugh at all they see, or think they see in you, contrary to their miserable inclinations. Do not busy yourself disputing with them, show no sort of sadness under their attacks; but joyously laugh at their laughter, despise their contempt, smile at their remonstrances, gracefully mock at their mockeries; and not giving attention to all this, walk always gaily in the service of God; and in the time of prayer, commend these poor souls to the Divine Mercy. They are worthy of compassion in having no desire for honourable company, except to laugh and mock at subjects worthy of respect and reverence."
Timeless words, in a world that has come to call evil good, and good, evil!
Many shake their heads at Judas for selling Christ to His enemies for a little silver. But how many more betray Christ simply because other people laugh at or mock them for trying to follow Him? Do we desire honorable company? Do we admire instead of mock those who are more virtuous than ourselves, or who are seriously trying to be, in spite of their falls? Do we turn off our morality in the company of atheists, and try to appear less good to please them, and spare ourselves?
And how do those who claim to follow Christ treat those who are mocking them? As hypocrites, with hatred and anger? Or with charity, forgiveness and prayer?
And how many there are that do the mocking, today! While the world is full of heinous crimes, there are those who still find time to berate and condemn those who believe in God and His law! Not only don't they desire honorable company, but they condemn it! As the saint remarks, they are truly worthy of compassion! They've embraced badness or error to the point of hating goodness and truth, anywhere they see the least glimpse of it!