When I read this it really spoke to me, about life, about blogging, about how to deal with people.
Magnificat--August 2004--Fr. R. Garrigou-Lagrange
Among the causes of tepidity in lax souls, the tendency to derision should be particularly noted. Saint Thomas speaks of the derider when he discusses the vices opposed to justice: insult, detraction, murmuring against the reputation of our neighbor. He points out that to deride or to ridicule someone is to show that we do not esteem him; and derision, says the saint, may become a mortal sin if if affects persons or things that deserve high esteem. . .
Too often, we tend to use derision as a protective mechanism. It is often easier to ridicule than it is to formulate the statements that would be helpful to the person we are facing. I know that I am too often guilty of this--not usually here, but in my head. Sometimes it slips out of my mouth or through the censor that guides my fingers at keyboard. And it is a symptom of laxity. If I were more aware of the Person who dwells in each person who annoys me, I would feel less temptation to mock or insult. But the truth is, too often I am completely wrapped up in myself--in my hurt feelings and in the depths of my selfishness. I have no awareness of the great God whose spirit dwells in every person.
