What could solve the vocation crisis in the United States?
Father David Michael Moses of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston believes he has the solution: parents' reverence for the Eucharist.
In a video published to his official Instagram account, the Catholic speaker, musician, and parish priest stressed the need for parents to reverently receive and believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
"If we receive communion like it's just a piece of bread, why would a young man give up his life for that? Why give up everything and be celibate for a piece of bread?" Father Moses stressed.
The Texas-based priest then challenged fathers to be the primary spiritual influence and leader for their children.
"You will have the greatest spiritual influence on your children," he explained. "Your sons need to see that the Eucharist is the most important thing in your life based on your example."
"There is no Eucharist without priests, so if you care at all about having the Eucharist in the future, something needs to change."
Watch the full video below:
Here's the full text of the video:
"I think might have the solution to the vocations crisis and the lack of priests. In 1959, in the city where I live, they had 100 seminarians, or men studying to be priests. That's the most we've had since then, even though the population of Catholics here has increased by almost 500 percent. Now we have 46 seminarians and 1.7 million Catholics," Father Moses begins.
"There is no Eucharist without priests, so if you care at all about having the Eucharist in the future, something needs to change.
"I think the solution might be simpler than we think.
"I asked my dad once what he thought was the best thing parents could do to encourage vocations, and he said parents should receive communion with reverence.
"He's right. If we receive communion like it's just a piece of bread, why would a young man give up his life for that? Why give up everything and be celibate for a piece of bread?
"If we receive the Eucharist with the reverence it deserves as the true Body of Jesus, a young man will see that too. I would especially challenge fathers. You will have the greatest spiritual influence on your children.
"Your sons need to see that the Eucharist is the most important thing in your life based on your example. Your sons need to know that the Eucharist would be worth giving their life for."
As of this writing, Father Moses' video generated almost 160,000 views, more than 13,000 likes, and over 400 comments.
Here's how some users reacted:
Instagram user Pamela Gootee expressed how much she loved the video.
Gootee's 11-year-old son began serving as an altar boy at age six and wants to become a priest.
"It's humbling to hear [my son] say this, and I pray every day that he follows whatever path God has him on," Gootee explained. "We have two boys and nine girls, so it will be interesting to see what they all do. My oldest daughter is praying about vocation currently, and it's a beautiful thing to witness."
Another Instagram user commented, "I think a big start would just be having more catholic families putting Sunday Mass as a priority in their lives."
Instagram user Vernieann Fernandes also wrote, "Wow, Father Michael. I have never reflected on what you said from a vocational point of view. You lit a beautiful bulb with your explanation, and yes it's so true to the core. God bless you."