The contemplative-in-the-world is a missionary in a different way, but she is a missionary.

She carries Christ to others by contemplation. She testifies that contemplation is possible in the world, even to the point of a contemplative life (where the Holy Spirit wills it). This is a shocking novelty in a world of hustle-and-bustle. People notice.

She may never or rarely use words. But that means little. It is in the secrets of hearts that conversion happens and that light shines.

Indeed, if, as the Gospel says, “those who do what is true come to the light” (Jn 3:21), then she is contributing greatly to the salvation of souls. She is showing them the value of the contemplation and wisdom of God – which is something never had unless received, and probably never received unless prophesied and announced by deeds or presence. She is showing them something that all Christians must have obscurely (others clearly) in their lives: suffering the deep things of God. This is a startling novelty. And how will they believe unless the news is first brought to them?

The contemplative is a missionary just by living a contemplative life among others. Just by existing with others, sharing their lives in a way that they had not expected, her life has missionary value.

Yet more, like every Christian in his mode of life given by the Holy Spirit, she is testifying to the existence of God:

An act of true goodness, the least act of true goodness, is indeed the best proof of the existence of God. But our intellect is too busy cataloguing notions to see it. Therefore, we believe it on the testimony of those in whom true goodness shines in a way that astonishes us. (Jacques Maritain)

Can anyone doubt that the world needs contemplation and contemplative souls – not only hidden away in the cloister, but also thrown straight into the daily storm?