So today, the majority of faithful Christians are virtually unknown: there is nothing spectacular, nothing even impressive about their discipleship, but it is they who form the Church.  Yes, our discipleship will for the most part go unnoticed and certainly will not be long remembered in this world.  And, if it is to have any value, it is necessary that we should not wish it otherwise.

That was a lesson which the Apostles had to learn and they found it a difficult one.  On more than one occasion they argued among themselves as to who was the most important.  And Jesus answered their question for them, “…whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.  For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (NRSV, Mark 10:43, 45).