Read 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9
Demas … has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:10-11)
Behind every successful person is a team. St. Luke played a vital role in the success of St. Paul’s missionary work. Luke is the author of “The Gospel According To Luke” and “The Acts of the Apostles.” He was not only a great writer, but he was also a trained physician.
Luke was converted to the Christian faith by St. Paul, and this took place while Luke was treating Paul during an illness. The Gospel of Luke contains Paul's sermons during his missionary journeys for St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom. In today’s first reading, St. Paul bears witness to the assistance provided by St. Luke when he said: “Luke alone is with me.”
Of all the four Gospels, Luke is a winner in storytelling. Luke’s Gospel emphasised Christian purity, poverty, and joyfulness. It provides graphic descriptions of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth, and the early Life of Jesus. Only a person with the privilege of interviewing Mary could have been so detailed. Luke is credited to have painted a portrait of Mary.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few…” These words apply to Luke given that although he was not one of the twelve, he became a labourer in the Luke was just a convert who offered himself as a labourer in the Lord’s vineyard. Luke shows us that even though we are not ordained, we can still be effective labourers for God’s kingdom.
As a doctor, Luke cured their diseases and illnesses but was also concerned about their spiritual lives. As an Evangelist, he fed their souls with God’s word. As a writer, he left us a Gospel as well as the acts of the twelve apostles. Are you a convert to the Faith? Be inspired by St. Luke. Regardless of your profession, let your light shine!
The colour of the vestment today is red, indicating that St. Luke died a martyr. Like many early Christians, Luke bore testimony to Jesus by his blood. As we reflect on the life of St. Luke today, let us ask ourselves these questions: Am I living a saintly Christian life? What am I doing to spread the Christian faith today? Would I rather die than betray Jesus?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, work in me and through me to improve our world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Luke, Evangelist – Feast. Bible Study: 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu