To be scorned, mocked and dismissed

Christ gave us the commandment to love others but did not make it a condition of salvation that they should love us. Indeed, we may be positively disliked for independence of spirit. It is essential in these days to be able to protect ourselves from the influence of those with whom we come in contact. Otherwise we risk losing both faith and prayer. Let the whole world dismiss us as unworthy of attention, trust or respect – it will not matter provided that the Lord accepts us.

+ Archimandrite Sophrony