Luke is the only one with me. (2 Timothy 4:11)
Today, imagine yourself at an elegant banquet—it’s a celebration for St. Luke. The table is set with polished silverware, a floral centerpiece, and a lavish feast. Many distinguished guests are seated—Peter, John, Mary, and Martha. One glass chimes, and then another. Before you know it, everyone is calling for a speech. Then Luke, a distinguished-looking gentleman, rises and begins to speak.
“Brothers and sisters, I’m honored to be with you. I’d like to tell you why I’m here. You see, I was a physician. I gave my life to treating illness and easing suffering. I liked what I did, and I was good at it.
“But then I learned about Jesus. These apostles gathered here today spoke his words of love and mercy. I saw them heal hopeless medical cases in his name. I saw them change people’s lives with his message of forgiveness. Their message and their witness touched me deeply. In the end, I decided to be baptized and follow Jesus as well.
“When I decided to write my own account of Jesus’ life, I couldn’t help but talk about how merciful he was. I had to include all those wonderful conversion stories: Zacchaeus, Peter, and the thief on the cross. I couldn’t leave out all those healings: the man with the withered hand, the widow from Nain, and so many others. And then there were all those parables like the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son!
“Jesus has always been faithful to me, and that’s what helped me stay faithful to Paul when everyone else had left. I wanted to be a friend to the end, just like Jesus. All I want is to share the mercy that God has shown me—the kindness that has changed my life. Thank you all. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
How about you? Have you come to know the mercy of the Lord? This isn’t just Luke’s slant on Christianity; it’s gospel truth. Jesus is the most faithful friend you could ever have. If you are hurting today, ask him to show you that his grace is deeper than the ocean. Believe that no matter what, he will never leave you. As Luke learned, when we have Jesus, we have all that we need.
“Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart.”
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo Australia
