This week, the Church in the United States celebrates National Vocations Awareness Week. It is a week dedicated to promoting vocations specifically to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Most importantly, it encourages us to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these vocations.

It’s appropriate that in our second reading this morning/afternoon from the Letter to the Hebrews, we are given this image of Jesus as our eternal High Priest. It describes how Christ’s priesthood is unlike any other that has come before. His priesthood is permanent, it endures forever. While other priests before Him were limited by death, Jesus remains eternally present, offering Himself once for all, bridging the divide between God the Father and humanity.

This particular passage offers us two powerful insights into the nature of a vocation. First, vocations aren’t just about what we do; it’s more so about who we become in Christ. When we hear the word “vocation,” it’s easy to think about specific roles: priesthood, religious life, marriage, parenthood, or single life. But at its core, a vocation is a calling to a life that reflects God’s love and holiness. It’s about transforming who we are, letting God’s purpose shape and mold us. Every vocation, essentially, is a path to holiness. It’s a specific path that the Lord desires for us that will lead us to the goal of being holy. The vocation we are called to represents a way that we can pour ourselves out in love for others, just as Christ poured Himself out for us.

The second insight in this reading is one that highlights the beautiful gift of freedom that Jesus wants to give us. It tells us that Jesus has already made the perfect sacrifice “once for all.” So, following our vocation isn’t about earning God’s love or proving ourselves worthy. We can never do that on our own. Instead, it’s about responding to a love that’s already been freely given to us. Jesus is constantly interceding for us; He’s constantly seeking to guide us to a deeper relationship with Him. He wants to empower us with the gifts we need to realize true discipleship. So, when we think about our own calling, our own vocation, the question shouldn’t be: “What do I need to accomplish for God?” Instead, the more appropriate question is: “How is God inviting me to share in His mission of love?”

I want to specifically address our young people for a moment: Y’all, the question of vocation, of “what am I supposed to do with my life?” can feel especially pressing at times; it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Society often tells us to “find your own path” or “discover your purpose.” And while it’s true that each of us has a unique calling, vocation isn’t just about making one choice; it’s not about making the perfect decision about how our life is supposed to go. Instead, a vocation is a journey of saying “yes” to God over and over. It’s a lifelong response to God’s invitation, allowing Him to guide and shape us each and every day. So don’t feel like at 16 or 18 or 21 years old that you have to have the answer to what God is calling you to do with your life. He will reveal it in His time. As long as you continue to stay close to Him and ask Him to guide you, He will always show up for you.

How do we know that? The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus being someone “who always lives to make intercession for us.” That’s a reminder that, in this journey of discernment, we’re never alone. Christ is our constant support and companion. Whether you feel called to priesthood, religious life, marriage, or a dedicated single life, Jesus is with you. He is always seeking to strengthen you for the path ahead. He doesn’t call the most perfect or the most confident. Instead, He calls those who are willing to listen, those who are willing to trust, and those who are willing to let Him work through them.

Imagine what it would look like if each of us approached our lives as a unique call from God. Imagine a generation of young people embracing their vocations – living each day as a witness to God’s love, in small acts of kindness, in friendships, in the ways we serve our communities. The Church and the world needs people who are willing to say “yes” to a life that points others back to Christ. Again, this “yes” isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong journey, a continuous response to God’s daily invitation to love and serve.

Parents: I want to speak a word to you. I know in your heart you want what is best for your children. You want them to be happy, fulfilled, successful. You want them to have a life that is filled with love. And I know most of you desire your children to find a nice boy or girl to settle down with, getting married, and giving you the chance to be a grandparent. Those are all beautiful desires. But don’t shy away from encouraging your sons and daughters to explore and consider a religious vocation.

The truth of the matter is: we desperately need priests and religious brothers and sisters to help guide future generations to an encounter with Jesus. I can attest, as a priest, I have never been happier; my life has never been more fulfilling than it is today; I am surrounded by people who love me, support me, encourage me…and I seek to be the same example for them. So be open to something different than the “traditional” path for your children. Jesus might be calling some of your children to serve the Church in a specific way. Encourage your sons and daughters to ask the question: “What does God want me to do with my life?” They won’t be disappointed when they bring that question to prayer and reflection.

For all of us, as we enter into this National Vocations Awareness Week, let’s take time to listen. In prayer, let’s ask God how He is calling us, today and in the future, to bring His love to others. Vocation is about finding our purpose, yes; but more deeply, it’s about living out God’s purpose for our lives – a purpose that’s rooted in His endless love and desire to draw us and others to Himself.

Let’s specifically pray for open hearts, for the courage to say “yes” to God’s call, and for the faith to trust that Jesus, our eternal High Priest, will guide us and sustain us in whatever vocation He calls us to.

Photo: Diocese of Orlando. Priesthood Ordination, July 25, 2020. St. James Cathedral, Orlando.