St. Luke was the only Gentile among the four evangelists. Because of him, we have gotten to know much about Jesus’ nativity, his ministry, passion, and resurrection. We also learned a great deal about the mission works of Sts. Peter and Paul through Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. Luke’s contributions to the New Testament and to the growth of the Church are invaluable.
But perhaps we should be reminded that Luke was more a disciple than a writer. He was more of a companion and friend than a historian or fiery missionary. This is seen in the 2nd book of Timothy. At the height of Paul’s loneliness, Luke was with him. We know that Luke was a doctor of medicine and most probably treated the people who were sick during his ministry and travels from town to town.
Such was Luke that we can gather with confidence that he met every qualification he himself wrote in today’s Gospel. He was probably meek as a lamb and did not have much he could call his own. Yet he went with Paul and the other disciples from town to town and through the far reaches of the Roman Empire. He was also most likely a vibrant member of each of all of the Christian communities.
Let us thank God for Luke not only because he documented the activities of Jesus and the Apostles, but also for because he was a great disciple who, together with Sts. Peter and Paul, lit the flame of Christian faith throughout the world.
