The Storyteller of God’s Love

St. Luke: Evangelist and Friend

On October 18, we celebrate the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. Luke was not one of the twelve apostles, but he played an important role in telling the story of Jesus and the early Church. He was a physician, a man of learning, and a close companion of St. Paul.

Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Together, these two books make up almost a quarter of the New Testament! Luke’s Gospel is filled with compassion and prayer. He tells us stories we all know and love: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the songs of Mary and Zechariah. His Gospel is sometimes called the “Gospel of Mercy” because it shows us so clearly how much Jesus cared for the poor, the outsider, and those who needed healing.

The Patron Saint of Artists

Tradition says Luke was also an artist, and that he may even have painted the first image of Mary. Whether or not that is true, you can sense an artist’s eye and a healer’s heart in the way he writes: attentive to detail, sensitive, and full of faith.

St. Luke reminds us that the Gospel is not just words from long ago, but a living story meant to be shared. We share it when we tell the story of Jesus, when we show compassion, and when we bring a healing presence to others.

As we honor Luke today, we can ask ourselves: Where can I bring healing, kindness, and hope? Where can I share the story of Jesus in my own life?

Prayer

St. Luke, faithful friend of Jesus and storyteller of the Good News,
help us to listen with open hearts,
to live with compassion,
and to share Christ’s love with joy.
Amen.