At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so, ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. (Matthew 9:36-38)

How many of us utilize our prayer time and our time communing with the Eucharistic presence of our Lord to ask for more vocations? Do we offer ourselves and ours to continue nurturing our brothers and sisters through Christ’s Church?

Our local diocese has asked us, Eucharistic people, to help organize a yearly 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration, specifically to pray for vocations. We are already seeing the fruit from this effort, as there has already been a marked increase in inquiries to join the priesthood of Christ. But it is not just the priesthood that needs more people. We need more religious brothers and sisters, as well as more lay people, taking our call as followers of Christ seriously, not just for our sake but for that of the world. Why not us? Why not ours?

My brother is a diocesan priest, and I do remember many people close to our family rejoicing when he became a priest, yet at the same time, feeling relieved because they could not imagine their sons accepting the call. If we are always hoping someone else will answer Christ’s call, aren’t we saying that the call is not important? Let us pray for our priests, present and future, but let us also be like Isaiah and offer ourselves, that the Church may continue to grow and thrive.

‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”’ (Isaiah 8:9)

Let us pray:

“Father, we are your people, the work of your hands. So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus. Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn, to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love.

We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how. Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers, and lay ministers. With our hearts you continue to love your people.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen” (USCCB – Prayer for Vocations #8)