Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist
Readings: 2 Timothy 4:10-17b; Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9
Summary
Cure the sick in it and say to them, The kingdom of God is at hand for you (Lk 10:9). [cross referenced] In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (Mt 3:1-2)” This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk 1:15).
Reflection
We are in the time of fulfillment.
Today’s gospel portion is The Mission of the Seventy-two.
After this the Lord appointed seventy[-two] others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest (Lk 10:1-2).
Personal Reflection
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. The three components highlighted today (and setting the stage for Advent) are:
- Cure the Sick (Service). The Lord cares about our health.
- Preach Repentance (Reconciliation). The Lord cares about our soul.
- Believe the Gospel (Faith and Trust). The Lord is faithful and true.
Even for Jesus he expresses the need, the mandate, to Go Out and do the work of the Kingdom. Saint Luke is an exemplar of this. He worked with Saint Paul and collaborated with the faithful as the CHurch grew. The Franciscans have a wonderful write up on the Feast honoring Saint Luke: There is a warmth to Luke’s writing that sets it apart from that of the other synoptic Gospels, and yet it beautifully complements those works. The treasure of the Scriptures is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-luke/
Our Psalmist today, offers a gentle poem-prayer to call all to ministry.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations (Ps 145:12-13).
Cure, repent, believe – this is your mission.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101825.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry