Historians like to speak about men of destiny: Aristotle, who helped shape western thought, Shakespeare, the greatest artisan of the English language. These names are indeed memorable for their contributions to society. And yet how much more exalted to have been called Mary, the name for the Mother of Jesus. We also know much about the apostles - Peter and John - less about the other apostles. And yet all shared in the honour of having been selected by Jesus.

We need not be envious of these apostles. At baptism Christ Himself, speaking through the person who baptized us, called each of us by name. Whatever our name it became ours and served to identify us. There is something very personal about being called by name.

We should have a proper sense of our dignity through baptism, and we must recognize that dignity in others. People of dignity do not stoop to actions below them and they understand how to treat others with respect. That is why St Paul was disappointed that the Corinthians descended so low as to hail one another into court over squabbles and disagreements. Some people might say that St Paul was idealistic and naive about the hard realities of life, but that is only because they do not have his sense of the dignity possessed by anyone called by Christ. Can we not live and act in accord with the Christian dignity which is ours?