There are two recorded sayings of Saint Clement Hofbauer which I think are very helpful for anyone whose life, lived in the midst of the world and on the highways of the world, has a strong contemplative element. The first is this:

Not to do battle, but to pray more.

The second is this:

It is better to speak with God about sinners than to speak to sinners about God.

In both cases we have the stark declaration that human activity is limited but God, who can grant all that is good and that is prayed for, is without limits. Running to this source is better both for us, in setting our values straight, and for others, in the effectiveness of our action.

That’s not to say that action is worthless. For from it! Saint Clement himself was nicknamed vir apostolicus, the apostolic man, in his lifetime. This was a man inundated with plans of others and plans of his own; this was a man immersed in the activity of others and activity of his own. But he was a man who integrated action and contemplation or action and recollected prayer.

Nonetheless, in the scale of values, a prayer is better than any action that is not itself a prayer. Our petitions are worth more than words which aim at an effect. Because in a petition, we also say, “Your will be done.” This can also be added to action. But it requires us praying in order to be added!

These sayings are good for everyone. But for a more contemplative vocation, it is an assurance that the vocation is “effective” and, even in a utilitarian way, “worth it”. They show us relationships with our neighbour and root them in our relationship with God.