St. Luke the Evangelist and Physician
In our prayers of the people, we prayed this week for the St. Luke’s churches in our diocese. St. Luke the Evangelist is remembered on October 18.
As I wrote last year in my reflection, we remember St. Luke as the physician and writer of the Gospel according to Luke and the Book of Acts. Luke traveled with Paul. He never met Jesus but was so impressed by Jesus’ life and works that Luke wanted Gentiles to know Jesus and to know how the Holy Spirit inspired the early church to continue to follow the Way of Love.
Luke’s gospel gives insight to the many beloved women in Jesus’ life. He includes six miracles and eighteen parables not noted in the other gospels. Luke’s gospel provides a full and rich picture of Jesus birth, earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. The Book of Acts ever encourages us as we witness the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all who follow Jesus.
This year, I’m reflecting on the healing aspect of Luke and of Jesus’ ministry.
Years ago I served with a priest who was a member of the Order of St. Luke the Physician, a Christian healing ministry. Father John taught me the importance of anointing for healing, which we offered at every service during communion. The OSL website (osltoday.org) affirms that Christian healing brings wholeness from the inside out. It opens our hearts to the power of God’s love, to bring the peace and comfort of Jesus’ healing touch to our physical, emotional, and spiritual being. It is the deep cleansing of our soul to make room for the transformation and restoration of our very being. Christian healing brings wholeness to us individually and engenders wholeness for all as we share God’s kingdom in community.
We can receive healing and we can offer healing to others through our prayers and our presence. Henri Nouwen reminds us that we are all “Wounded Healers”, that our need for healing is a source of strength as we walk with others.
I offer the collect for St. Luke the Evangelist
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.
God’s peace, Judy Q +
