Homily: St. Luke the Evangelist

St. Luke the Evangelist (Lk :1-9) “A Unique Witness”

St. Luke was one of the four Gospel writers. Some have said that his Gospel is the best biographical writing on Jesus in the New Testament. The other Gospel writers were better known in the early Christian community than Luke, but he does an extraordinary job of describing the ministry of Jesus.

Why is Luke so good at relaying information about Jesus? It is said that Luke was a physician and a gentile convert. This tells us about why he wrote the way he did. His occupation is mentioned in Colossians 4:14. Luke mentions that Paul is traveling with him. As a physician Luke had a unique perspective. It is said that a minister sees other people at their best. A lawyer sees people at their worst. A doctor sees people as they are.

As a non-Jew Luke was writing to a gentile audience. He tries to explain the nuances of Jewish history and the Jewish faith. His attention to detail is evident when he writes his infancy narrative. He tries hard to put Jesus’ birth into historical context as he speaks in detail of the rulers who were in place when Jesus was born.

Luke’s Gospel shows the inclusiveness of the Kingdom that Jesus spoke of. Luke shows that Jesus had a positive view of gentiles, the poor, women and children. Every person is of concern to Jesus.

Luke also shares eloquently about forgiveness. He relays stories that Jesus told that speak powerfully about the mercy of God. Who can forget his story of the Prodigal Son or the Lost Sheep.

Luke is obviously concerned with the healing that needs to take place in the world whether that is physical healing or spiritual healing. Jesus is the remedy for everything that ails the world.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Did Luke’s background affect how he wrote about Jesus? How?

2.   What is my favorite parable in the Gospel of Luke? Why?

Dear Parishioners,

           Each year the priests of the Diocese gather for what is called Assembly Days. This is a two-day meeting in Peoria that is meant to be for continuing education. This will be happening next Tuesday and Wednesday.

          For that reason, I will not be posting a reflection for next Wednesday and Thursday. Please pray for all the priests as we continue to discuss the “Growing Disciples” program. We are now at the implementation phase. Consolidations will take a great deal of time and energy for many pastors.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

          Fr. Mark