LOS ANGELES, USA — A man wanted to know what profession his four children would take. So in a small room, on a table, he placed a T-square, a stethoscope, a book on civil law, and a Bible.

He then called his kids one after the other and made them pick what they wanted. One picked up the T-square. “Ah...he wants to be an architect,” the man whispered.

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The other one got the stethoscope.

“He wants to be a doctor.” Then the next one took the Bible. “He wants to be a priest.”

Then came the youngest. He went round and round the table, undecided. Finally, he took all the stuff! The man, puzzled for a moment, whispered: “Ah, he wants to be a politician.”

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This Sunday is "Good Shepherd Sunday." It is day in the Catholic Church worldwide to focus attention on vocations to the religious life (priests, nuns and brothers). That includes good political shepherds.

The need for priests and religious vocations cannot be stressed enough. We need spiritual shepherds to take care of the flock of the Lord. Without ordained ministers, we cannot avail of the sacraments especially of baptism, the Eucharist, confession, and dispense their graces.

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Every year thousands graduate from various courses in our country. While there’s an oversupply in these courses, there is an under supply of religious graduates.

When I entered the seminary more than 20 years ago, we were seven in high school special class.

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Little by little, our rank dwindled until I was the only one left. I was the only survivor and because I was the only one left, I became the valedictorian of my batch!

Let’s face it. It’s not easy to embrace the religious life. That’s why very few take this “less traveled road.” In other courses, if you have the desire, the money and enough brains to get by, you will make it.

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Not so in the religious life. You may have a strong desire, the money but if you are deemed unsuitable because of character and poor health, then you have to accept it as God’s will. Note, however, that it is not shameful to drop out during the formative years since it shows that the religious life is not the vocation God has in store for you.

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The example of the father of St. Therese of the Child Jesus is a case in point. Luis Martin wanted to become a priest but he was not accepted to enter the seminary due to poor health. Eventually he married Celia Guerin who also wanted to become a nun. Their wedlock resulted in 10 children. (There was no family planning yet then!).

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And, would you believe? Four of the girls became Carmelite nuns. It’s all history now but one of them, Therese, became a great, multi-titled saint: a doctor of the Catholic Church, universal patroness of the missions and the “millennium saint.”

If Luis Martin was admitted to the seminary and became priest, he would not have sired a saint.

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If young people, have the inclination to serve God and fellowmen in a meaningful, more dedicated commitment, don’t stifle the desire.

Be open to the possibility. Consult your parish priest or a vocation director, and pray to God to help you make the right decision.

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Parents can show their love for God by supporting and encouraging their children who have the desire. The truth is it's God who manifests his love for parents when He chooses one of their children to serve Him.

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If you're generous in giving your children to the religious life, God who's never outdone in generosity will certainly reward you in this life and in the next.

REMEMBER: Being open and generous to God’s call is a real test of your faith.

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FAMILY TV MASS — is aired by the SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. every Sunday.

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Mass sponsor: National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Marilao, Bulacan. Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Ronald RAVAGO.

For inquiries, e-mail: familytvmass@gmail.com.