Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
Many times I am privileged to pray with some of the sickest people in the hospital. Recently, I when I went to pray I asked the patient what we they would like to pray for, they replied, pray I get to meet Jesus soon. They said it with a smile on their face. This person was truly at peace. A peace that knows that they are a child of God, and that God is their savior. A peace like that was bestowed by the seventy-two disciples Jesus sent forth ahead of him. Disciples that were sent forth to proclaim the Kingdom.
St. Luke whose feast we celebrate today, evangelized the Gentile Christian world of his time with a two-volume work in which he shows a parallel between the life Christ and the life of the early Church. Luke is described in this letter to Timothy as the only one journeying with Paul. Luke was exposed to a great depth of the experiences of a wide variety of disciples, likely including followers who knew Christ personally. Through Paul Luke knew of the complexity of a life of discipleship.
Paul’s words today are some of the last words ever written by him, and they remind Timothy and us that a life of faith can be difficult. Difficult because it is not always easy to know who is supporting us in our journey. Paul seems to be telling Timothy a list of people who can be trusted, and names of those of which to steer clear. And in wrapping up his ministry Paul reminds all that no matter what we face we must stand for the defense of the Gospel. Reminds us that like Paul who felt alone at times we are never alone. The Lord stands by our side, and gives us a strength and peace to proclaim the Good News. Consider one way today in which your life might better proclaim the Gospel.
Loving God, we are grateful for faithful disciples, like Paul and Luke, who persevered for the sake of the Body of Christ. Give us a spirit of peace and fortitude so that we can stand in the face of adversity and proclaim with our lives, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand.’ St. Paul and St. Luke, pray for us. Amen!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery