‘So Lord God authorized Adam to give names to various wild animals of the ground and various birds of the air (Genesis 2:18-23), which represented that Adam had dominant power to become the master of all creatures. The shepherd (Christ) calls his own sheep (disciples) by names, also representing the relationship between master & servant. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.’ (John 10:3)

However, Jesus said, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends!” Thus, the relationship of master and servant is now elevated to friendship. In fact, mankind is the imitation of God - they are much more precious than all other creations. ‘Call by name’ also indicated Jesus has a unique relationship with each individual. The best example was when He named the twelve disciples as his apostles.

Likewise, when we receive the sacrament of Baptism or other sacraments, the church will also call us by our names. By the same token, Jesus named his disciple Simon as Peter (Rock), indicating that he would have to become the leader of the Church. The call of Jesus is a mission at the same time!

In the Old Testament, the story of Samuel receiving God’s calling was a classic example. At that time, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was located. Samuel heard a voice calling his name and he ran to his teacher Eli and said to him, “Here am I, you called me.” Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.” When Samuel heard the same voice again for the third time, Eli understood that it was actually the LORD who was calling the youth. He said to Samuel, "Go to sleep and if you are called again, reply ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'"

Let us also respond to Jesus, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”