Feast of Saint
Luke, evangelist
(II Timothy 4:10-17b; Luke 10:1-9)
In a sense today, today we celebrate a Scripture more than
a man. We know very little about St.
Luke other than what can be gleaned from his writing. The New Testament references to him are thin. Indeed, it cannot be said with complete certainty
that the “Luke” found in the writings attributed to St. Paul is the author of
the third gospel. Nothing is known of how
he died, much less of where he was born. This is said not to create skepticism
but awe for the magnificent work of this evangelist.
Luke refers to himself directly only twice in his New
Testament writings. At the beginning of
his gospel he says that he investigated “everything accurately anew.” He does present much material that is not
found in the other gospels – the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal
Son, for examples, as well as the Christmas story from the viewpoint of Mary. The writings’ classical style and polished
Greek indicate that Luke was well educated.
Luke emphasizes the Holy Spirit in both his gospel and the Acts of the
Apostles. Not only are there numerous
references to the Spirit’s presence, but also the effects of the Spirit are
manifest. More than the other
evangelists, Luke pictures Jesus and the disciples praying. Also, he testifies to the Spirit’s uniting all
people by continually including women and both the poor and the wealthy.
Luke is often referenced as the patron of physicians and
artists. We could easily see him as the sponsor
of writers, scholars and charismatic prayer groups as well. He is also a special friend of women, of the
poor, and of those with great Marian devotion.
Really all Christians are indebted to him. He deepened, expanded, and colored our
knowledge of our Savior. How can we not toast
him and pray to him today?
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