Celebrating the Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist

2 Tim. 4:10-17, Lk. 10:1-9.
Being a Gentile covert, St Luke joined Paul in taking the Good News to the Gentiles. Today's first reading describes his work with Paul on his second missionary journey. Though, a physician, St Luke was called to follow Jesus, the greatest Physician. As a Greek author, he explains the Jewish customs and meaning of Hebrew words to his readers. Luke invites us to widen our vision and embrace an inclusive, pluralistic and universal vision in our belief. Luke succinctly points out the importance of humility, sincerity, poverty, the acceptance of daily Cross and the need for thanksgiving.

Today, we are invited to reflect on six aspects of our call: SERVICE, Luke accompanied Paul and ministered to him; USEFULNESS, Luke used his talents of writing, healing and knowledge of history for the early Church; CONCERN for the poor and outcasts; FELLOWSHIP with the Holy Spirit, EMPOWERING women for mission, Luke's Gospel is known as the Gospel of the poor and Gentiles, Holy Spirit and women; and LOYALTY to the Church, Luke wrote the history of the Early Church in the Acts of the Apostles. The seventy-two in today's Gospel are commissioned by Jesus to be lambs among wolves. The terms of reference for this work was made clear: carry no purse, no haversack and no sandals. These demands that we be holy and innocent in the midst of the sin-stricken world and we must "start off now".

May the Lord grant us the tolerance to make our hearts opened to a true knowledge of God! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!