St. Luke

He is the author of the two books Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. In the first book, he focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. In the second book, he focused on how Paul has become a part of this movement. Although Luke was not an eye-witness, meaning that he didn't see Jesus while on earth, but through the testimony of many people that he interviewed, he became a follower of Jesus. It is also believed that he interviewed the Blessed Mother, and although she was very private and kept many things in her heart, but we are able to hear stories about her experience with God, the annunciation, the birth of Christ. St. Luke is a physician. He was a Gentile from Antioch in Syria, very similar to St. Igniatius of Antioch, whom we remembered yesterday. It is also believed that Luke was the first person to draw icons. His symbol is an ox or bull because he begins the Gospel with Zechariah, the Father of john the Baptist, offering a sacrifice in the Temple. St. Luke is a patron saint of physicians and artists.

As we honor St. Luke today, and remember him at Mass on this memorial, let us give thanks that he invested much time to writing the life of Christ and the early Church. Because through his compilation, we are able to know more about the Lord Jesus, and to know more about how the Church proclaim the risen Jesus.

Although Luke wrote the two books for one person, he wrote it to defend Paul, while Paul was imprisoned. But God used his writings for the entire world, that all will be able to come to know Christ.

Another thing is that on the journey of faith, we need friendship and companion. We cannot proclaim the kingdom on our own. As the case with St. Paul, who traveled so many places to proclaim the Risen Jesus. And without Luke's help, Paul would not have been able to do this. Let us give thanks to God for friendship and companion on the journey. And to know that building the kingdom of God, we cannot do it on our own, but in collaboration with friends and companions.

Jesus sends out disciples two by two.

God bless you!