All true servants of Jesus Christ have at times to endure contempt and rebuffs from others, and to shew meekness and lowliness of spirit. David in one of his Psalms characterizes the worldly and the ungodly as persecuting the poor man and the broken in heart. Bear this trial heartily, when it comes on you, as unto God. It is a feature of true Christian humility to accept, even thankfully, such trials when they come before us. We are never to go out of our way to seek them. This is an error. But we are to be patient, submissive, calm, under them. The meekness which makes least show is the truest and most genuine fruit of the Holy Spirit. Beware of speaking haughtily and sharply when tried and rebuffed by any. Though it is natural to us, as I dare say you feel, it is unbecoming a disciple of the meek and lowly Jesus. While we crush down angry and impatient feelings, and strive to keep (it is not easy) calmness and a peaceful, loving mind, we need not let such feelings trouble us much. Though they may recur and last the day through, by prayerfully striving to keep them down, we shall be growing in grace. The Lord is drawing us to Himself as the sheep of His pasture - my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, despised and rejected of men.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp