Weekly Update – 18th October

On Sunday we will be celebrating St Luke’s Day.  He was a faithful companion to St Paul, who mentions him in many of his letters.   He is recognised as the author of two major books in the New Testament: the Gospel of St Luke and Acts of the Apostles.  Before his life as an evangelist and companion to Paul, Luke was a physician, which is reflected in his Gospel writing that centres on the healing nature of Jesus.

We learn from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, that Luke remained a steadfast companion as Paul reached the end of his ministry, imprisoned in Rome before his eventual martyrdom.  Most of Paul’s other companions had moved on. “Only Luke is with me.” Paul writes (2 Timothy 4:11).

Many scholars make note that Luke provided the succession of Paul’s missionary work.  One commentary observes:

“Luke watches as Paul’s journey reaches the end and he realises the work must continue.  So, Luke takes up the mantle. He sits down to weave together the testimonies of eyewitnesses, Mary’s quiet songs, the parables of the lost son and the good Samaritan, and the sweeping, unstoppable saga of the Holy Spirit moving from Jerusalem to the heart of Rome in the Book of Acts.”

Yet Luke doesn’t take over Paul’s mantle as apostle.  Little more is known about Luke other than his companionship to Paul and his authorship of two key New Testament books.  Luke’s impact was his faithful stewardship of Paul’s legacy and, more importantly, the message of God’s love and healing through Jesus.   Luke watched, listened, and bore witness through his writing.   Luke sets out a golden thread from Jesus’ earthly ministry, through Paul’s missionary journeys, and to the vision of our church today.

What we also gain from Luke is a clear message that when one generation’s strength wanes, God raises up the next with the exact temperament and gifts needed for the hour.   Which is a message to us that is both encouraging but equally challenging as we keep watchful for those whom God calls to serve in our church and in our community in whatever role or capacity.

God of healing and love.

Grant us the humility to serve,

the courage to stay,

and the grace to pass on the torch intact.

Amen.

 

Nigel

Churchwarden