by Joel V. Ocampo
On October 18, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Luke, the Evangelist. The name “Luke” is an English form of the ancient Roman name Lucas, which is derived from the Latin word “lux” meaning “light.” If we read the Gospel written by St. Luke, we can learn lessons on how to be a light or become bearers of light, especially in this time of pandemic.
Incidentally, today is also the Dominus Est Anniversary. Translated as “It Is the Lord!”, the beloved disciple uttered “Dominus est!” (Jn. 21:7) after they caught a great number of fishes in the Lake of Galilee, in one of the so-called Post-Resurrection Apparitions of Jesus.
Reflecting on the Gospel stories written by St. Luke, let us allow ourselves to become bearers of God’s light so that other people may see “Dominus est!” or “It is the Lord” that is at work in whatever we do.
Show mercy and compassion – just like the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:29-37), and like Jesus to the sinners (Lk. 7:36-50; 15:1-10).
Be forgiving and give second chances – just like the gardener in the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Lk. 13:6-9), the father in the story of the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-32), and Jesus to the sinful woman (Lk. 7:37-50), and to the repentant thief (Lk. 23:40-43).
Be humble at all times – like the tax collector in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk. 18:9-14), because God “lifted up the lowly and threw down the rulers from their thrones” (Cf. Lk. 1:52).
Be ready to serve when needed – just like the Blessed Virgin Mary who served her cousin Elizabeth (Lk. 1:39-56); and Martha who welcomed Jesus into their home (Lk. 10:38-42), and do not imitate the rich man in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus who did not paid attention to the needs of the people around him (Lk.16:19-31).
Protect the vulnerable – just like Jesus who protected the widow of Nain from possible social dysfunction because of the death of her son (Lk. 7:11-17); paid special attention to the people with disabilities (Lk. 14:13, 21); and welcomed children into the kingdom of God (Lk. 18:115-17).
Be honest and faithful in everything – like the vigilant and faithful servants in Luke 12:35-48, but unlike the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1-8.
Accompany the downcast and those who have lost hope – just like what the Lord has done to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35). Like the Lord, let us make their hearts burn so that love will not grow cold and numb because of the crisis and difficulties of everyday life.
Finally, St. Luke recorded, “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light” (Lk. 8:16). All of us received the light of the Lord when we were baptized. Like Him, may we become “a light to the nations, that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Cf. Is. 49:6 & Lk. 2:32).
St. Luke, pray for us!