4th Sunday of Easter

 Today is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. While we pray for the encouragement of all vocations – including those of married life and single life, this day is particularly set aside to pray for those whom God calls to religious life – as priests and deacons, religious sisters and brothers – to serve God’s people. For decades we have witnessed a severe decline in the number of men and women answering God’s call to serve the Church. It is not that God has stopped calling people to religious vocations. It is that those who have been called have declined the invitation. Perhaps they have been too caught up in the allurements of the present world – in materialism, individualism, and hedonism – to answer the call. Perhaps their own prayer life is not what it should be to really hear God’s call. Perhaps religious vocations have not been encouraged within their family. Or maybe, just maybe, no one has ever told them – “I think you would make a great priest (or deacon, or religious sister or brother)!” The sacramental life of the Church is clearly dependent upon having enough priests to serve the people and provide those Sacraments. Let us pray for those whom God  has called, that they may answer that call. Let us speak of and encourage religious vocations in our own families. And don’t be afraid to approach someone you think has the qualities of a religious vocation, and suggest that they answer God’s call.      

Because of the Gospel that is read today, this Sunday is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” We are all familiar with the image of Jesus holding a lamb tenderly in His arms or across His shoulders. And yet, it may perhaps be more appropriate to rename today: “Are you a Good Shepherd Sunday?” It is my prayer that I will be a good shepherd among you - one who encourages rather than discourages; one who bandages rather than wounds; one who is faithful in serving rather than embracing personal ambition. I am bound by my vows as a priest to be faithful to the teachings of Christ and His Holy Catholic Church, yet I try to apply those teachings in a pastoral way without compromising the integrity of those teachings.      

This is a day for each one of us, both clergy and laypersons, to look into our hearts and judge the generosity of our service to the people around us. Each one of us is called to lead others to the  gracious mercy of God. Each one of us should see it as our duty to help others get to heaven as we faithfully answer God’s call  ourselves. This is done most effectively in living lives of selfevident joy and holiness so that others can trust that we are leading them in the right path. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, give us the grace we need to answer your call, and gently lead others to your heavenly kingdom. Amen.