October 18, 2024
by George Butterfield
Creighton University - retired
click here for photo and information about the writer

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist
Lectionary: 661

2 Timothy 4:10-17b
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
Luke 10:1-9

Praying Ordinary Time

Today we celebrate Saint Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He and his travel companion, Saint Paul, wrote most of the New Testament. I imagine that the first reading today was chosen because Luke is mentioned in it. If you read the Acts of the Apostles, Luke at first uses the third person in referring to Paul and his companions – they this and they that. Then, as he continues to describe Paul’s travels, he starts saying we this and we that. In this letter to Timothy, he states that Luke is the only one with him.

Not all of the early disciples remained steadfast. Demas became enamored with the present world and deserted Paul and the mission. Crescens and Titus had also left him for other regions, although Paul doesn’t lump them in with Demas, the apostate. Paul and Luke need help, so he asks Timothy to bring Mark with him. This is a complete turnaround from earlier when Paul refused to take Mark with him on one of his missionary journeys, a move that led to Paul and Barnabas splitting up. Now, it appears that changes have been made by Paul and Mark and Paul says he wants him because “he is helpful to me in my ministry.” This always reminds me not to give up on people.

The psalm response is, “Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.” Recently we had a scripture reading where the person talking to God referred to “Abraham, your friend.” My wife has loads of friends. I do not have that many. To think that God would consider us his friends is truly amazing. Growing up we used to sing the spiritual “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” That song didn’t impact me then like it does now. What a privilege to have Jesus call us his friends.

The Gospel reading emphasizes the urgency of what Jesus calls “the harvest.” He sends out disciples who will go before him, curing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God. While they go, they need to ask God to send them more laborers. They are not to load themselves down with extra stuff and they don’t have time to dilly dally on the way by greeting everyone who passes by. They are to stay in the first house that offers them hospitality and not move across the street because that home has better food and drink. They are to be modest and not make special food demands. Food, housing, and hospitality will be the payment for their labor in the vineyard.

Saint Luke was a companion of Saint Paul, a steadfast partner in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, a friend of Jesus, a laborer in the Lord’s vineyard. We do well to honor him today. Saint Luke, pray for us.

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to the writer of this reflection.
George Butterfield <GButterfield@newcassel.org>

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