St. Luke, also known as St. Luke the evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles), is symbolized by a winged ox or bull – a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. He is the only Gentile to have written books in the Bible. His writings have been proven to be historically accurate. Luke writes to confirm that Christianity is not a new religion. It is rather the fulfillment of God’s promises given to Israel in the Old Testament.
He never met Christ in person, but in his Gospel he says that he came to know about Jesus by talking to eyewitnesses to the events of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection. These stories helped him to become a believer, and he wrote his Gospel so that others would come to know and love Jesus. Jesus is certainly the Jewish Messiah, but He is also the Saviour of the whole world. Luke depicts Jesus in his short – lived ministry as deeply compassionate, caring for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized of that culture, such as Samaritans, Gentiles, and women. (cf.Luke 24:21a)
In Acts of the Apostles, we learn about the coming of the Holy Spirit; the work of the Apostles, especially St. Paul; and how the church grew in the world. He was the one person who’s said to have remained with St. Paul during his imprisonment and until his death. Luke’s attention to detail shows: not only is his the longest of the four gospels, but it’s also the longest book of the New Testament.
The Catholic Church and other major denominations venerate him as Saint Luke the Evangelist and as a patron saint of artists, owing to the Christian tradition that he painted a portrait of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child. He’s also a patron saint of physicians, bachelors, surgeons, students and butchers.
In honour of his feast day, which the church celebrates every October 18th, let’s consider three things we can learn from this saint and try to imitate.
*St. Luke expressed the need to tend to the soul as well as the body….
*St. Luke was courageous in spreading the Gospel….
*St. Luke honoured the Blessed Mother….
-Tr. Sherida D’souza