Today is Vocations Sunday, when the
Church around the world prays for vocations to ordained priesthood
and consecrated life. Today is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday,
because the readings of the Mass present us with the image of Christ
as the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the flock in his
care. Jesus shows us the model for Christian leadership. Anyone who
is called by God to minister in the Church should be a pastor: a good
shepherd, who knows the people he serves, and cares for them with
love and compassion, as Christ cares for his disciples. Jesus is
absolutely united in love with God his Father, and the priest’s
love for his people should be rooted in his love of God. It’s a
demanding vocation, and perhaps it’s not surprising that in today’s
world, and in a Church plagued by scandal, fewer young men are
offering themselves for priestly ministry. Let us pray that God will
continue to call shepherds for the Church, and that those who are
called will respond generously; and let us each do all that we can to
support and encourage all the vocations that the Church needs.