Many who have not reached certain levels of ascent themselves, nor know them to exist, often will not understand or might be critical. But many contemplatives have done good. Their writings done in secret with the Trinity, have blessed others to know God more, and the way to God in stronger ways.
Not everyone is going to understand others and certain orders. It is not just contemplative orders some might not view favourably. As someone who is also charismatic, some of the things some have said about the CCR and charismatics in general have been deplorable, and from Catholics that is the hard part.
Someone once gave me some good advice. That was to turn the other cheek. Being a Catholic is often a hard road in itself, because sometimes we face rejection, abuse, name calling, etc. But most practicing Catholics can see the joy of our Faith. And whether someone is a contemplative or not, when we have to turn the other cheek, we are turning it towards God.
It might be painful at times to be contemplative, and painful at times to be seen as different or odd, or inactive. But these things avail us of the opportunity to learn some fortitude and become stronger in our calling. It gives us a pause to pray for others, to reflect on why we are the way we are and what our purpose is. Criticism does not necessarily have to be a negative thing. It can actually help us grow more with God.
