Life of St Luke – Oct 18 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 18, 2023, on the life, writings, and ministry of St Luke, whose feast it is today.

St. Luke is the author of the Gospel according to St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Collectively, his contributions account for over 27.5% of the New Testament. He was also a faithful companion of St. Paul, and together, they wrote more than half of the New Testament.

In today's Gospel, unique to St. Luke's writings, he speaks of the sending of the Seventy-Two. This account showcases the lineage and mission of the priests as collaborators of the bishops. Tradition, through St. Epiphanius, suggests that St. Luke might have been one of these Seventy-Two, though other signs indicate he was not of Jewish origin but of Gentile origin, making him unique among the evangelists. Historically, Luke was believed to be from Antioch in Syria. His writings, especially in Acts, accompany St. Paul's journeys, and their close connection is evident in the similarities between their accounts, like the institution of the Eucharist.

St. Luke's Gospel is notable for its detailed accounts, particularly about Our Lady. He alone gives us events like the Annunciation, Visitation, Presentation, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Without St. Luke, essential elements of our faith, like the joyful mysteries of the Rosary or the prayer Hail Mary, would not exist.

His Gospel, based on careful research and firsthand accounts, emphasizes themes like poverty, prayer, and God's mercy. Parables like the prodigal son and the Good Samaritan underline God's boundless love and mercy.

As per ancient sources, St. Luke passed away at 84 and is honored by the Church as a martyr.

00:00 – Introduction
00:17 – St. Luke Wrote the Gospel According to Luke and Acts of the Apostles
00:52 – St. Luke's Connection with St. Paul
02:18 – St. Luke's Origin and Background
04:00 – St. Luke Accompanies St. Paul on His Missionary Journeys
05:03 – St. Luke Remains with St. Paul in Rome
06:00 – St. Luke Remembered More as an Evangelist Than Companion of St. Paul
07:28 – Characteristics of St. Luke's Gospel
12:39 – St. Luke's Death and Veneration as a Martyr

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Luke the Evangelist - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101823.cfm
1st: 2ti 4:9-17
Resp: psa 145:10-13, 17-18
Gsp: luk 10:1-9

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1180

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