“Inspired by St Luke, to become a slave of the Gospel!”
(Based on the Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist)
The Mystery of the Life of Christ has been depicted through the Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Each Gospel has its own perspective, theology, emphasis and focus in trying to present the Life of Christ.
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Evangelist St Luke.
He has given us the third Gospel account of the life of Jesus.
Historically, not much is known about St Luke.
He was a physician, well-versed in Greek and the travelling companion of St Paul.
The Gospel of Luke has some salient features which can be absorbed and cultivated in our own Christian lives…
- The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel of the Poor
There are various passages and incidents which shows a preferential aspect in this Gospel towards the poor and the unfortunate.
The image of Jesus presented by St Luke is a passionate advocate on behalf of the poor.
Baby Jesus is born in the back room of a house and that infant Jesus is found in a manger.
Poor and lowly shepherds come to visit Jesus at His birth
The Hymn of Mother Mary, the Magnificat is a revolutionary hymn of the Poor
The Genealogy of the Lord is traced through a line of poor and simple people
John the Baptist is shown demanding compassion and sharing of resources with the poor.
The Nazareth Manifesto of Jesus reveals His pro-poor plans and programs.
The Sermon on the Plain reflect His teachings on the beatitudes for the poor.
Parables like the Rich Fool, Lazarus &the Rich Man… reflect the themes of mercy and compassion on the poor and the needy.
The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel of the Poor, challenges us…
… to become active in meeting the needs of the people who don’t have anything.
… to have a heart of compassion and genuine empathy for the poor and needy around us
… to work for the poor, not just with some minor charity, but have an attitude of true love
- The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel showing True Richness
The Gospel is a very realistic and practical, understanding the various dimensions and pluralities existing in the society.
St Luke doesn’t condemn the rich people, but invites them to understand the meaning of true richness, the necessity to share…
… and the importance of having God as the greatest treasure and richness of one’s life.
The Story of Zacchaeus is a classic example of receiving God’s mercy when repentant
The Story of the Rich Young Man leaves room to allow to become perfect on true renunciation
The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel showing True Richness, challenges us…
… to rearrange the priorities in our life and to give God the first and prime place
… to not get attached to our wealth, our talents, gifts and instead depend on God
… to humble ourselves in letting go of our desires and seeking His Kingdom first
- The Gospel of Luke is known as the Gospel of Repentance
The Gospel of St Luke presents some of the best dramas, stories and parables of repentance and of turning back to God.
God is not presented as a punishing and a vengeful God…
… but a God whose hearts bleeds for His children to come back to Him in true contrition.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
The Parable of the gospel within the Gospel – the Prodigal Son
The Story of the calling of Levi, the tax collector
The pardon of the Sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus
The dramatic story of the repentant Zacchaeus
The classic incident of the contrite Good Thief along the Cross of Jesus
The Gospel of Luke, the Gospel of Repentance, challenges us…
… to turn our hearts in true repentance to God, the fountain of immense mercy and love
… to realise that all is not lost, though we are in sin and that His open arms await us
… to become more and more determined to be sinless in order to hurt less our Loving Father
… to be bold to take radical decisions in order to better one’s life in tune with God’s Will
The Gospel of Luke has also many other features and names…which we can pick up..
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit…
The Gospel of Joy…
The Gospel of Women…
The Gospel of the Blessed Mother Mary…
The Gospel of Universality…
The Gospel of Prayer…etc…
St Luke has left us a masterpiece with His account of the Life of Jesus!
Some of the most pictorial, most classical, most loved, most remembered and most cherished incidents and parables are from this Gospel…
As we celebrate the Feast day of this Evangelist, let us graft some of the aspects of this Gospel into our own lives.
Let us also make efforts to read more this Gospel, which will indeed be the true tribute and our love for this Saint…
… and ultimately, to our Saviour and Master Jesus!
Let us become a slave of the Gospel – a real missionary – of the Hero of the Gospels, Jesus Christ!
Happy Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – TO CHOOSE IN ACCORD WITH CONSCIENCE
Some rules apply in every case:
- One may never do evil so that good may result from it;
- the Golden Rule: “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.”
- charity always proceeds by way of respect for one’s neighbor and his conscience: “Thus sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience… you sin against Christ.”
Therefore “it is right not to do anything that makes your brother stumble.” (CCC # 1789)
Reflection Capsules 