October 18

Saint Luke the Evangelist

Feast · Remembered by Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans

Paul's companion, traditionally the author of a Gospel and of Acts

Luke was a companion of the apostle Paul in the first century. Three letters linked to Paul name him. One calls him “the beloved physician,” and another, written in Paul's name near the end of his life, says only Luke is still with him. He may have been a Gentile, and an early tradition says he came from Antioch in Syria.

Since at least the late second century, Christians have named Luke as the author of the Gospel that bears his name and of Acts. In his opening lines he explains that he checked his sources carefully, so that a reader named Theophilus could trust what he had been taught. His Gospel pays special attention to the poor, to women and to outsiders. Only his Gospel keeps the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

Little is certain about his death; one old tradition places it in Greece. Christians remember him for telling the story of Jesus and the first Church with care and compassion.

Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Luke 1:1–4 · BSB

A prayer

God of mercy, you gave Luke the gift of telling the good news of Jesus with care, and the faithfulness to stand by Paul in hard times. Give us honest words and loyal hearts, so that we may share your love with the poor and the forgotten and stay close to those who suffer. Amen.