San Luca, Saint of the day for October 18

Saint of the day for October 18th
(a.c. 84)

The story of San Luca

Luke wrote one of the main parts of the New Testament, a two-volume work that includes the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. In the two books he shows the parallel between the life of Christ and that of the Church. He is the only kind Christian among the evangelical writers. Tradition considers him a native of Antioch, and Paul calls him "our beloved doctor". His Gospel was probably written between 70 and 85 AD

Luke appears in Acts during Paul's second journey, stays in Philippi for several years until Paul returns from his third journey, accompanies Paul to Jerusalem, and stays close to him when he is imprisoned in Caesarea. During these two years, Luke had time to seek information and interview people who had known Jesus. He accompanied Paul on the perilous journey to Rome, where he was a faithful companion.

Luke's unique character can best be seen from the emphasis of his Gospel, which has been given a number of subtitles:
1) The Gospel of Mercy
2) The Gospel of universal salvation
3) The Gospel of the poor
4) The Gospel of absolute renunciation
5) The Gospel of prayer and the Holy Spirit
6) The Gospel of joy

Reflection

Luke wrote as a gentile for Gentile Christians. His Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles reveal his experience in the classical Greek style and his knowledge of Jewish sources. There is a warmth in Luke's writing that distinguishes it from that of the other Synoptic Gospels, and yet it complements those works beautifully. The treasure of the Scriptures is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church.