Readings: 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Ps. 145:10-13a,17-18, Luke 10:1-9
“But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it.” (2 Timothy 4:17)
Behind every successful star (hero, inventor, leader, etc.) are unknown heroes, background workers, unsung assistants, etc. Behind the success of St. Paul as a Preacher and a great evangelizer was a man called Luke, the author of the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
- This man, Luke, was a great writer and a trained physician. As St. Paul himself testifies in today’s first reading, Luke was right there with him in prison, looking after his physical health needs and assisting him in the mission. From the statement, “Luke alone is with me,” Luke must have also assisted with writing some of Paul’s letters.
- Luke was converted to the faith by St. Paul. This conversion occurred while Luke was treating Paul during an illness during his second missionary journey. According to St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom, the Gospel of Luke may also be described as St. Paul’s.
- Of all the four Gospels, Luke is a winner when it comes to powerful storytelling skills. In particular, Luke emphasises Christian purity, poverty, and joyfulness. Luke employs detailed graphic descriptions in presenting the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth, and the early Life of Jesus.
- Only a person who had the privilege of having one-on-one contact with Mary herself could have been so graphic. Luke is said to have interviewed Mary in the course of his composition. Luke is credited to have painted a portrait of Mary.
- “Luke alone is with me!” This sentence is a powerful testimonial of Luke’s personality and importance regarding the mission. I ask myself: Will anyone speak well of me like this? Or will I be remembered for harming others (for instance, in the case of Alexander the Coppersmith)?
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few…” Today, the harvest is richer, but there are fewer labourers. In this part of the world, the emphasis is no longer on soul-winning but on prosperity (by hook or crook). Rather than join in pointing fingers at God’s ministers or making jokes about the bad eggs amongst us, Jesus is calling you today to join. The number seventy is symbolic of large and complete. You, too, are needed.
- Luke heard the call, and he responded. As a doctor, he treated people and cured their diseases. As an Evangelist, he fed their souls with God’s word. As an academic, he wrote a brilliant Gospel after researching and interviewing eyewitnesses. Luke’s Gospel is both historical and revolutionary (concerning the issue of gender equality). Today’s evangelists are not just those wearing cassocks, suits or white garments. Today’s greatest evangelists touch lives right where they are: doctors, lawyers, engineers, information technology experts, businessmen, etc. You, too, are needed here.
- Are you a convert to the Faith? Do not get scandalised by your fellow Christians. Let your light shine! We all are labourers for God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, work in and through us to improve our world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (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