Homily for Feast of St. Luke

Homily for the Feast
of St. Luke

Oct. 18, 2019

Ursulines, New Rochelle, N.Y.

The liturgical texts for today’s feast reference God’s love for the poor as a theme in Luke’s Gospel and Acts, and the preaching of the Good News to all nations (Collect), with a side note of fidelity (2 Tim 4:10-17).

St. Luke by Guido Reni

Since this month is especially dedicated to the missions—both by the Holy Father’s declaration and by the Synod on the Amazon—we do well to note that the Lord wishes all of humanity to be saved thru the grace of Jesus Christ, and all of us have roles like the 72 disciples whom Jesus sent out as his advance teams into the towns and villages of Galilee (Luke 10:1-9).

The message that we carry is one of healing (10:9)—not so much physical as spiritual.  The kingdom of God (10:9) is among us in the forgiveness that Jesus offers us sinners; in our attention to the poor and the marginalized—the high and mighty are quite good at looking after themselves, but the 99% need the followers of Jesus to bring them hope and love, a chance in this life and an offering of eternal life.

Even in retirement we can proclaim the Gospel.  In the 1st place, we want to live it with each other at home.  Even here we need hope and healing, forgiveness and love.  Here, as well, we may be like Luke, Paul’s faithful companion, assisting each other.

Then we can pray for the many needs of our world—the needs of New Rochelle, of the Ursuline mission everywhere, of missionaries, of the peoples of the Amazon, of persecuted Christians, of people in need everywhere.

No doubt you’re already aware of the poverty among your alumnae and in your own families—how many are anxious or distressed or confused and in pain; how many want someone they can talk to and confide in, someone who will let them know they’re loved by God and by you.  Your families and alumnae are villages to which Jesus sends you with his Good News.