St. Luke's Message

The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist turns our attention to his Gospel and companion work, the Acts of the Apostles.  Tradition and legend combine to reveal Luke, a Gentile convert born in Antioch, a close friend and fellow traveler of St. Paul, a physician and an artist. Taylor Caldwell popularized Luke's story in her memorable novel, Dear and Glorious Physician.
Luke's ability to paint pictures with words is obvious in his close attention to detail and his compassion as a physician is evident in the many stories of mercy and forgiveness. St. John Paul II has dubbed Luke, The Gospel of Mercy.   He alone tells the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, more aptly titled, The Forgiving Father. Luke also makes is a point that Jesus came for ALL, especially the poor.  Readers of his Gospel should be moved to actions that alleviate their plight by sharing time, treasure and talent. 
In the Acts, the power of the Holy Spirit dominates the tale of the missionary efforts of St. Paul and the miraculous spread of Christianity in the Mediterranean basin.  Luke's talent as a narrator not only makes historic facts come alive, but showcases the Holy Spirit to the point that this book is also known as The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.  May our faith find nourishment and strength in the writings of our Dear and Glorious Physician as well as move us to live his message of mercy, forgiveness and the inclusion of ALL.
Bro. Rene