TITLE: Marist Laity Australia - Simplicity, Flexibility, Inclusiveness












Mary and Son

Hidden and Unknown

MARIST LAITY
ST GABRIEL'S
BEXLEY

Meeting: 8 June 2006
Topic: WHO IS MARY TO ME?
Presenter: Barbara Ashwell

Our understanding of the Marist charisms continued this month with a powerpoint presentation looking at the practical essence of living as Marists hidden and unknown.

We began by looking at what Scripture had to say about hidden deeds in Matthew 6: 16-18; what the late Pope John Paul 11, said about the "hidden daughter of Sion" in his Encyclical, 1987, Mother of the Redeemer; and at this article from the Marist Sisters' Constitution: "Whatever we do, the value of our witness will be strengthened if we avoid drawing attention to ourselves, simply fitting in wherever we can be of service, seeking in return neither esteem nor acknowledgement. The personal inspiration of our Founders "Hidden and unknown in the world", forcibly recalls this ideal for us."

We then proceeded to look closely at Mary and to reflect on the following points:

  • She conceived Jesus in one of the most hidden moments of history
  • She gave birth in a stable, hidden from so many, unknown…….
  • She lived unnoticed for 30yrs in an ordinary family in Nazareth
  • She followed her son discreetly - She was just part of the crowd
  • She did more through her prayer
  • She was a leader in the early church but not the figurehead
  • She did more good by remaining hidden and unknown (There is more than one way to lead)
Simplicity is the Key Look at the drama of the Wedding Feast of Cana - John 2: 1-10 - Mary is there…
  • They need wine… She notices their need…She tells Jesus…
  • She advises them what to do… Jesus acts….The crisis is over
As Marists, we notice the needs of others
  • We are discreet
  • Conscious of a personal relationship with Jesus we act and
  • The "new wine" is theirs
  • We meet people at the point of their need
  • We lead them on from there, gently, without intruding
  • Then we slip quietly into the background
One of the greatest needs in our busy world is the need for people to listen. Someone whom they can talk with openly without feeling overpowered and can trust to be discreet. People will solve their own problems most of the time, if they meet someone who is gentle, attentive, and present, just like Mary. There is a deep joy in being able to help someone else while remaining hidden and unknown.

Go back 		 

Reflection Day November 2011

Reflection Day November 2011



Home

Other Local Groups

Mary is the outsider that God chose to bring into the Centre