Happy St. Luke’s Day!
Today is the day we remember the person who, between his Gospel account and the Acts of the Apostles, is responsible for almost one third of the writing in the New Testament (more if we include the Letter to the Hebrews, which some scholars believe Luke also wrote). He was born around eight years after Jesus and died in the year 92. Because of his style of writing, some of the vocabulary he uses, and his being referred to as “one who heals” in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, some have deduced that he a medical professional—perhaps a doctor. And there is a legend (unproven, but lovely) that he painted the first icon of Mary holding the infant Jesus. St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians, artists, bachelors, notaries, butchers and brewers.
Who knows? Like so many figures in Scripture, history is hazy and facts are hard to come by. All we have is the text Luke left behind, and what a text it is! The language is poetic. Women have names, and voices. Jesus is presented primarily as a Savior sent to seek the lost; a compassionate friend to outcasts. Some of the most famous parables are found in Luke’s account: The Prodigal Son, The Rich Man and Lazarus, The Good Samaritan—many of the stories Jesus uses to confirm God’s love for vulnerable people (which is to say all of us!).
Luke’s characterization of Jesus is distinctive. Reading his Gospel account expands our understanding of the totality of the risen Christ. If you are interested in learning more, please join our Christian Education discussions. We meet at 10 am in the room up the stairs from the Muriel Moore chapel. All are welcome, of course—bring your insights, your experiences and your questions!
