RBWords

     The words written to Timothy by St. Paul (or a close disciple) might be applied to St. Luke, whose name is briefly mentioned in the first scripture for today.  Scripture scholars are not sure that the two "Lukes" are the same guy, but the author of the gospel and the Acts of the Apostles has certainly accomplished the goals mentioned in the quote above.  To the Gospel According to Luke we owe the "infancy narrative" of Jesus' conception and birth (not to mention those of John the Baptist) - basically the five Joyful Mysteries of the rosary!  We also owe the parables of the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, the Good Samaritan, the Rich Fool, and the scene of Martha and Mary, among other things not mentioned in the other three gospels.  We also owe Luke the priceless story of the early preaching in the church in the Acts of the Apostles.  All of this has enormously impacted the Christian faith and continues to do so.

     The audience for which Luke composed his works was primarily non-Jewish and there are details in it that show a wider Mediterranean scope.  For example, in the story of the paralytic who is brought up on the roof [Luke 5:17-26], the roof is made of tiles and not the usual Palestinian mixture of mud and wood!  The Acts of the Apostles shows a wider acquaintance of the world of the Gentiles and the Jewish "diaspora" throughout the region.  All of this is a rich resource for our understanding of the stories of Jesus and the early disciples.  Today we can rejoice in the proclamation to us Gentiles brought to us by the "dear and beloved physician," Luke. the patron saint of doctors and all health care providers.  AMEN