The Gospel of Luke 4:14-21
Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Collect for the Feast of St. Luke Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Feast of St. Luke, celebrated on October 18th, honors Luke the Evangelist, who is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke is also known as a physician and a companion of St. Paul
St. Luke’s writings emphasize the universality of Jesus’ message and His compassion for all people, especially the marginalized. In the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus’ acceptance and affirmation of individuals from all walks of life, including women, children, Samaritans, and sinners. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless love and mercy.
One of the key themes in Luke’s Gospel is the healing power of Jesus. As a physician, Luke would have been particularly moved by the numerous accounts of Jesus healing the sick and restoring the broken. This aspect of his Gospel invites us to reflect on the ways we can bring healing and comfort to those around us, both physically and spiritually.
Another significant theme is forgiveness. Luke’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and His willingness to forgive even those who crucified Him. This calls us to embrace forgiveness in our own lives, letting go of grudges and extending grace to others.
On this feast day, we can pray for the intercession of St. Luke, asking for the grace to be compassionate healers in our communities and to spread the message of God’s love and forgiveness to all.
Let us pray a Prayer for Healing: “God, you sent Jesus to heal the brokenhearted. Please heal my wounds and the wounds of those who are suffering. May your presence bring comfort, peace, and restoration.” Amen.
Reflections by Bob 