Do you keep a diary? I have known many people who write in a journal to keep a record. Some people will record something quite simple, such as the day’s temperature and wind speed. Others write down their activities of the day, and still others will write paragraphs describing their feelings and thoughts about the day. When diaries are kept with the intention of providing information for future generations, they become treasured records.
Today, in the church calendar of Lesser Festivals, we commemorate Luke the Evangelist. Luke did not keep a diary per se, but he indicated in the beginning of his writing that he wanted “to write an orderly account… so that you may know the truth…” Therefore, Luke wrote what he knew about the life of Jesus and the good news conveyed to the world through Jesus Christ. We give thanks today for Luke and for his dedication to recording the story of Jesus. We have received a distinctive account of Jesus’ life, including the story of Jesus’ birth that was not included in the other three gospels. Along with other revealing details is the love Jesus had for those who were poor, outcast and overlooked. Through Luke’s writings, we are inspired to love others in the same way.
Thank you, God, for Luke, through whom your love is made known. Amen. —