While imprisoned in Rome, St. Paul wrote the second reading that we heard at Mass this Sunday. Locked in chains and abandoned by his closest friends, he tells Timothy, "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord... bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:6-8). In other words, don't worry about being a freak. A Christian who lives the fullness of faith will always be mocked. So be it.