St. Philaret of New York: If your labors seem to come to nought, do not despair..
"If your labors seem to come to nought, do not despair; remember that the Lord acts to discourage you from relying on yourself and your own strengths, on your own talents and learning;
He desires that you come to realize your utter weakness and powerlessness without God's help: He would have you understand through experience the practical significance of His words spoken to the disciples at the last Supper: 'Without Me you can do nothing.'"
St. Philaret of New York
"Labor Not in Vain"