04/26/2026

We celebrate the 4^th Sunday of Easter as the Good shepherd Sunday, and World Vocation Sunday. So I reflected on my vocation as a priest; It has been over 9 years since I became a priest, and 7 and half years since I came to the States. And this is my 4^th parish. I was at St. John and Paul in Coventry, St. Augustine in Providence, St. Joseph in Woonsocket, and here. So, of course, I met and got to know so many people who are still in touch.

And I met some of them the other day for dinner, and we had a nice dinner and great conversation. They asked, “Father, do you see any differences between the churches where you have been?” (You know, for now, I should say, "here is the best"–since I'm here.)

So I thought of the differences: the size of the church, numbers of people, sound system etc... But among them, one of the notable differences is the children in the church. You know, we are blessed with many young families, young couples, and young children. And thanks to that, we get to hear the “holy noise” during Mass. And I love seeing families praying together at Mass– children, parents, and even grandparents.

You know, faith is the most precious heritage that you can hand down to your family; it is a treasure that never expires or disappears.

Also, in the context of the World Vocation Sunday, I would say the faith of the family is the true cradle of vocation. Vocation sprouts from that heritage of faith. Vocation here, I mean, is not only for the priesthood or religious order, but also the calling to the holy family.

On World Vocation Sunday, we are invited to reflect on our vocation. You know, this day, firstly, invites us to pray for the vocation to the priesthood and religious orders, but we are also allowed to ponder upon the meaning of God’s calling and how deeply He cares for each of us.

Let me share my conversation with my mom when I was applying for the Seminary; People sometimes asked me how my parents felt about me deciding to become a priest.

Actually, my mother hasn’t told me what she wanted me to do. She always told me, “Whatever you want to do, just do it. Just don't regret. Whatever makes you happy, that’s your way.”

And now I know this is not merely a permission but the implication that I would be in her concern, worries, support, and prayers, whatever way I walk.

I think this reflects the heart of every parent. And from a broader perspective, this is how God calls us, too. He doesn’t call us like “you should be a priest, you are to be a nun, you are to be an actor, singer, or lawyer, etc.” He just calls us to be happy, to share in His eternal happiness.

However, we shouldn't regard His call to happiness merely as a permission or guarantee to do whatever we please. We are to fathom His concern, His cares, and His protection for us.

The figure of the Good Shepherd reveals our relationship with Him—that we are always within His care. Jesus is the shepherd who stays so close to his flock that he carries the 'smell of the sheep.'

And now, let us ask ourselves as the sheep in his flock. Are we wearing the aroma of the shepherd as much as He wears the aroma of ours? Stay with the Good Shepherd, and carry the aroma of Christ.