Many children grew up complaining about their parents. Then eventually, when they had a better grasp of life, they realized all the love, giving, and forgiving of their parents. Once they had children of their own, those who were once children, had the realization as parents – dad was right after all, mom was right after all. 

The Gospel reminds us of the Good Shepherd: 

• First, he lays down his life for his sheep.
• Second, he knows his sheep, and the sheep know him.
• Third, he follows the will of the Father. 

Next to our parents, the most significant shepherds we have are our religious leaders. The priest, when ordained, had three promises to make:

• First, chastity. This is the promise not to get married so that may be available to serve the congregation. May they continue to be single-hearted in knowing his sheep. 
• Second, poverty. This is the promise not to pursue earthly wealth but to put our trust in the Lord, even if the call is to give his own life. May we continue to trust the mysterious yet perfect plan of God. 
• Third, obedience.  This is to humble ourselves and submit to the will of our superior. Our faith respects and puts a premium on Authority and the authority we have is given. May we continue to be humble to see God’s hand in all things.

In our Masses, let us pray for more vocations. More importantly, let us remember that the seedbed of the vocation is not the parish, the catholic school, or the knights of the altar. It is still the family. 

Parents, pray for your children. As Grandparents, pray for your children that they may pray for their children to be open to the call the religious life. 

Let us always remember the words of St John Bosco. “The best gift God can give a family is a priest. The best gift the family can give God is a priest”.