St. Luke was "with" St. Paul (2 Tm 4:11). Luke, a physician, accompanied Paul on parts of several missionary journeys. Paul suffered from multiple physical ailments (see 2 Cor 11:23-27) and could have benefitted from having a doctor with him. When writing the Acts of the Apostles, Luke's narrative changes from "they" to "we" in several places (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1—28:16). This is considered by scholars as evidence that Luke was with Paul at those times (2 Tm 4:11).
Luke can be with you also. You can have Luke with you by carrying a Bible with you. That way, you will "get Mark" also (2 Tm 4:11), as well as John and Matthew. Like St. Paul, bring the "parchments" (2 Tm 4:13), on which were written the Scriptures. It is easier than ever to bring Luke with you. Bring your Bible to church, to work, to the park, to your friends, to meals.
Now consider that Luke not only gave us a Gospel, but also the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus and the Father poured out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Spirit is with us always. Luke urges us to receive the Holy Spirit and operate in the gifts and power of the Spirit.
Today, on this feast day of St. Luke, spend at least fifteen minutes reading from the Gospel of Luke or the Acts of the Apostles. Let Luke be "with you."
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the grace to hunger for Your Word more than for daily meals (Mt 4:4). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." –Ps 145:18 |
| PRAISE: | St. Luke "carefully traced the whole sequence of events" in the life of Jesus and the growth of the Church. Because of his care and discernment, we know about the Annunciation, the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the good thief, Pentecost, and the growth of the Church. Praise You, Jesus, for the life of Luke! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College