The world doesn’t need louder christians, its needs authentic christians who genuinely live for God alone, no pretending. And where you don’t find love, plant love - God’s absence is replaced with God’s presence. This way, lived quietly and joyfully, holds a spiritual practice of faith that can be extraordinarily fruitful.

A popular Marist Book called ‘The Age of Mary’ offers some thoughtful ideas on the Marist Way of looking at and living life.

Living For God Alone

Beneath mercy, hiddenness, and mission lies the spring that feeds them all: God alone. “If you wish to serve God, you must see him alone… walking boldly by faith,” said Colin. For Marists this is anchored in Jesus’ words about praying, giving, and fasting in secret, where only “your Father who sees all that is done in secret” matters. It is a radical call to authenticity — no pretence, no performance, no living for appearances. Strikingly, Snijders notes that our sceptical modern world shares exactly this hunger: it despises make-believe and longs for what is real.

And here Colin becomes a master for our times. Bonhoeffer described the modern experience as “living before God the absence of God.” In a world where God seems absent, the Marist keeps a vivid, intimate presence — praying steadily even when prayer is “as dry as a bone,” staying tuned to a quiet wavelength between the loud music and the interesting news. “Carry on just the same,” Colin advises. “Such a meditation is always of greater benefit than you think.”

The book ends where it began: the mission for which Mary’s people were founded has not ended — it is only now showing its full urgency. The world does not need louder Christians. It needs authentic ones, rooted in God alone, merciful, hidden, and quietly joyful. That is the Marist way. It is open to you.

Marist reflection question

When prayer feels dry and God feels absent, what keeps me going — or stops me? Can I hear “carry on just the same” as a word spoken personally to me?

Marist practice

Give God ten minutes of silent, undecorated attention every day this week — no requests, no expectations of feelings. Simply remain turned towards him, for his sake alone.

For God Alone

Living For God Alone

The Work Of Mary

A Large Tree