2. Hidden and Unknown in the world
Mary exemplifies the way in which Marists live their lives in order to bring the men and women of their time to Christ. Mary was present in the early Christian community at Jerusalem, but her presence was a quiet, unassuming one. She was most effective, yet she was not much spoken about. Marists follow Mary in the way they evangelise in order to reach the people of their time with the love of God. They take a low-profile approach, are not pushy, but have great respect for people and their weaknesses. Marists try to avoid anything which would make it more difficult for people to know Christ, and anything which is flamboyant or makes a big show. To pattern oneself on Mary in this way is not to hide away. It is to be engaged fully in life but in a simple, gentle, humble, way, doing a great deal of good for others.
