Follow the hidden disciples’ example

Fr. Jack Treloar, SJ | For The Compass | June 14, 2023

Sometimes when either the genealogy of Jesus or the listing of the apostles’ names occurs as part of the Gospel reading, my eyes glaze over at the narration of all those names.

The Gospel this week could be one of those times, for we have Matthew’s version of the list of the apostles. Some names are familiar, such as Peter, James and John; they play a major role in the Gospels. Others show up usually with only a line or two, such as Thomas, Andrew and Philip. There are three apostles on this list that all we know are their names — Bartholomew; James, the son of Alpheus; and Simon from Cana.

Although we know nothing about these apostles, we can assume a few things concerning their lives. Each of them responded to Jesus’ basic call, “Follow me.” They were undoubtedly present any time the Scriptures mention “the twelve.” They would have been present at the Pentecost event. After that, they must have spread out on missionary journeys throughout the then known world to proclaim that Jesus is the Christ.

Just because we know nothing explicit about them, we cannot conclude that they are unimportant. As a matter of fact, they can become an example for us. They are the beginning of what I would call “hidden discipleship.” A hidden disciple is anyone called by Christ who then lives out the Gospel message by the manner of their lives. Most of us are hidden disciples since we live the call of Christ by simply doing what the Gospel requires.

There may be a person in our lives who we can identify as a hidden disciple. Perhaps this disciple is a widowed grandmother who teaches the children in the family their prayers, how to say the rosary, faithfully attends Eucharist and, at all times, cares for the heritage of the family. This woman would never have thought of herself as a disciple, but she in fact is, by her faith and love of her extended family.

The discipleship most of us live is accomplished without fanfare or fame. It consists of fidelity to the tasks we have been given. Once the tasks are complete in the eyes of the Lord, the hidden disciple is quite willing to simply disappear.

St. Joseph is an excellent example of hidden discipleship. He was given the task of caring for Mary and her child. He was always there for their needs. He did not require adulation for his dedication because doing the will of God was enough for him.

In the days ahead, be attentive to all the hidden disciples in your life. Who draws you closer to God by the manner of their life? You will inevitably find many such disciples surrounding you. There will be no search for celebrity, no false knowledge, no explicit piousness. There will be knowledge of the Lord — a knowledge that is freely shared with everyone.