Luke the Evangelist
The readers of this column are probably aware that the Bible is not one book written by a single author at one time but is a collection of many books written by various authors at different times and that it is divided into two main parts.
The Old Testament contains books written before the birth of Jesus and the New Testament (NT) has all the books written after his birth. The four gospels in the NT contain the details of Jesus’ life and his teachings.
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of one of the important contributors to the NT — St. Luke the Evangelist. One of the four gospels is written by Luke and is known as Luke’s Gospel. It details the story of Jesus from the events of his birth to his Ascension in heaven. Another book attributed to him is the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke was a Roman whose early conversion to Christianity is evidenced by his membership in the Christian community of Antioch before he met another pillar of early Christianity — St. Paul. Luke became the Church’s most articulate historian and wrote with such sensitivity and clarity that his Gospel in the NT has been described by some as one of the most beautiful books ever written. He is the patron saint of physicians and artists.
One finds in his writings about Jesus’ compassion which extends to all who are needy. Women are given special place among his followers. The despised Samaritans and Gentiles are commended and promised the opportunity to accept the gospel underlining the universal appeal of Jesus’ message.
When one meditates on some of the special characteristics of Luke’s Gospel one feels really uplifted. One of my favourite prayers from Luke’s Gospel is a hymn attributed to Mother Mary where she says, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour… He has scattered the proud… has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent empty away” (Luke 1:46 & 51-53).
Among Jesus’ different parables narrated by Luke, one of the best is about the “Prodigal Son” which elucidates the unconditional nature of God’s love for all his children (Luke 15). One can benefit immensely from it by drinking from God’s generosity, who despite all our weaknesses and unworthiness, never gives up on us but loves us without expecting anything in return.
And finally a teaching from Jesus which continuously inspires me to be at the service of people is, “Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant — just as the Son of Man (referring to himself) came not to be served but to serve” (Luke 20: 27-28).
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