Feast of St. Luke, evangelist
The liturgy for the Feast of St. Luke opens with the familiar quotation from Isaiah the prophet about the messenger who brings good news: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings of peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation!” (Is 52:7). In the first reading from 2nd Timothy, we hear St. Paul speaking of having been deserted in his ministry by all but Luke: “Luke is the only one with me” (2 Tim 4:11a). St. Luke is the faithful evangelist described by Isaiah in the entrance antiphon. He accompanied Paul on two of his journeys. But more importantly, through his writing of the third Gospel and the Book of Acts, Luke has announced salvation to countless numbers of Christians throughout the centuries. Truly, we can sing this day the responsorial refrain: “Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom” (Ps 145:12).
The gospel of the day, appropriately taken from St. Luke, relates the advice given by Jesus as he is about to send forth 72 disciples “to every town and place.” As our gospel acclamation declares “I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord” (Cf. Jn 15:16). After a description of the simple lifestyle that they are to live (no money, no baggage, no sandals, no permanent place of residence) Jesus presents the punchline (which is restated in the communion antiphon today): “Whatever town you enter…say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you’” (Lk 10:8-9).
Prayer for today: Lord, show me the way to be a messenger of your salvation today. Help me to announce your Kingdom.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections