Feast Days and Saints Series: ST Luke the Evangelist

 FEAST DAYS AND SAINTS

Why Celebrate St. Luke the Evangelist:

St. Luke is not one of the twelve apostles; instead, he is often referred to as one of the Evangelists because he authored one of the four Gospels. His role in the early Church as a companion of St. Paul and a physician underscores his importance in the spread of Christianity, even if he wasn’t one of the original apostles.

The liturgical colour, red is indeed used for St. Luke’s feast day. This colour symbolizes the blood of martyrs and the passion of Christ, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and the active witness of faith, which can be linked to St. Luke’s dedication to evangelization and the message of the Gospel.

 

St. Luke the Evangelist is celebrated on October 18th in the Catholic Church, and he holds significant relevance for several reasons:

1. Author of the Gospel: St. Luke is known as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. His writings provide a detailed account of Jesus’ life, ministry, and the early Church, emphasizing themes of mercy, compassion, and inclusion.

2. Companion of St. Paul: Luke was a close companion of St. Paul, contributing to the spread of Christianity in the early Church. His relationship with Paul underscores the importance of collaboration and community in faith.

3. Symbol of the Evangelist: Luke is often depicted as a winged ox or calf, symbolizing sacrifice and service, reflecting his focus on Jesus’ humanity and the importance of service to others.

 

4. Feast Day: The Church celebrates his feast day to honor his contributions to the Christian faith and to encourage believers to embrace the values he exemplified.

 

Relevance for Today:

 

1. Compassion and Inclusion: St. Luke’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized and the importance of reaching out to those in need. In today’s world, this call to inclusivity challenges us to advocate for social justice and to be more empathetic toward others.

2. Faith and Healing: As a physician, Luke symbolizes the healing aspect of Christ’s ministry. This can inspire us to care for both our physical and spiritual well-being and to seek holistic healing in our lives and communities.

3. Listening and Witnessing: St. Luke emphasizes the importance of listening and sharing experiences of faith. His writings encourage us to bear witness to our faith stories, fostering community and connection within the Church.

4. Commitment to Learning: St. Luke’s thorough approach to documenting the life of Christ invites us to deepen our understanding of our faith through scripture study and reflection. His example encourages a lifelong commitment to learning about God’s word and its implications for our lives.

Celebrating the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist helps us to reflect on his example and invites us to live out our faith actively and compassionately.