There remains Luke

Tomorrow is St. Luke’s Day. Luke means giver of light. Luke was the most noted Greek in Scripture, a major contributor in a Gospel that bears his name and a record of events after Christ’s ascension. Probably not an eyewitness to Christ’s life, Luke was a faithful recorder for Paul, Peter and our Lord’s mother.

Luke learned medicine and the arts. His story enters scripture by his own hand near ancient Troy. He met Paul and together they crossed the Bosporus to European Macedonia. Luke stayed with a new church at Philippe. He rejoined Paul, tending Paul’s many wounds, even in Rome, where Paul was beheaded. Luke wrote his two books before martyrdom, between 75 and 100 A.D

We have by Luke’s words the coming of the Holy Spirit, the first apostolic councils, converting Gentiles, persecutions of Christians, the conversion of Paul and his missionary trips. In Luke’s Gospel we have unique recordings in Jesus’ life: the Annunciation to Mary, Christ’s birth, the shepherds, the young Jesus conversing with elders. These are Mary’s stories, and Luke heard them from her. In his Gospel alone we have the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Pharisee and Publican, the penitent thief, and a Bible lesson on the road to Emmaus.

Feel the impatience in Luke’s record. Christ is alive, and looking from eye to eye, imparts urgency that they never give up, take courage and live for one purpose — spread the good news, live and die for Christ. There’s no retirement. Live and give and labor and serve and create and sacrifice and bear up and believe with all your being.

Promises are made for those who overcome, who face life’s challenges and never give up. Life begins every day. Let our lives count for something. Luke will be pleased.