Hidden and Active
Marist Moment: Hidden and Active
A common marist phrase is being ‘hidden and unknown’. But this is not really about hiding, being away from activity, being super prayerful and contemplative. We will be ‘hidden’ so that God is ‘seen’. It begins with an interior attitude grown in prayer and goes out with an external movement in mission. Marist’s really are both contemplatives in action; like Mary at Nazareth and Pentecost.
A popular Marist Book called ‘Marist Laity’ offers some thoughtful ideas on the Marist Way of looking at and living life.
Hidden and Unknown — Yet Going Out
One of the most loved Marist phrases is Colin's ignotus et quasi occultus — 'unknown and, as it were, hidden in the world.' For years some took this to mean withdrawal into a purely interior life. But McKay shows that this misses Colin's real intent. The dominant Marist image is not only Nazareth; it is Mary among the Apostles at Pentecost. The Marist goes out on mission — even if only just outside the front door — in the spirit of Nazareth. But the Marist goes out.
Hiddenness, for Colin, is a way of working, not a reason for staying home. It means doing good without seeking credit, evangelising without domineering, being leaven in the dough. And this is precisely the genius of the lay vocation. As McKay observes, more attitudes are changed today 'over the back fence, in pubs, offices, canteens, and coffee-bars than in churches.' Lay people live exactly where the Gospel most needs to be — in families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods the clergy can rarely reach.
The first form of this mission is witness. An African proverb quoted in the book says: 'A tiger does not talk about being a tiger, it jumps.' What is truly alive shows its life by living. Words have their moment — Peter urges us to be ready to explain our hope — but the constant Marist challenge is to shorten the distance between what we say and what we are.
Marist Reflection Question.
Where are my 'back fences' — the ordinary places and conversations where I, and perhaps only I, can quietly carry the spirit of Mary?
Marist Practice.
This week, in one everyday conversation, listen with full attention and respond with hope rather than complaint. Say nothing about faith unless asked — and be ready if you are.
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This resource comes from a Marist Spirituality Series: ‘Marist Laity’ by Frank McKay Click here for full reflection guide
