The old way of looking at vocations for just a few isn’t working any more. There are many reasons for this but the number of priests is declining rapidly. There is no hiding this fact or trying to plaster it over. It is our reality.

Everyone has a vocation in life. But let’s be honest, vocation is a churchy word. Vocation can also be translated as our calling, our purpose in life, our path, our way of life or our mission in life. The journey you are now on is your path. It may change some time ahead to another one, but for now it is yours.

Our path in life rarely appears all at once. It unfolds slowly, step by step. Our Gospel that is used this Sunday talks about Jesus as a shepherd. As a shepherd his role is not shouting directions or telling us to do this or that. Instead, Jesus walks with us on our path in life. He stays close. Even when we wander his voice is gentle and reassuring.

Our purpose in life is something we grow into. Yes, for a very small number that path may lead to priesthood or religious life. For many others, it leads to journeying with the person you love, with family and with those who matter most to you. It leads you to living your life as best you can. It leads you to doing the things you enjoy and the things that are life giving to you. And if you are unsure of where your place is or what you should be doing, you simply don’t need it all worked out.

Vocations Sunday reminds us that the first step to any path in life is that you are special and deeply loved. This is true of every path in life. Today we celebrate how special you are and how deeply God loves you.