Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist

Brief Background

St. Luke was a physician and one of the four Evangelists who wrote the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a Gentile convert to Christianity and a close companion of St. Paul, often mentioned in Paul’s letters as his trusted co-worker and friend. Luke’s Gospel is known for emphasizing God’s mercy, the role of the Holy Spirit, the dignity of women, and concern for the poor and marginalized. Tradition holds that he was also an artist who painted the first icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He is believed to have died a martyr, though details about his death are uncertain. He is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, artists and painters.

REFLECTION:

I went out to lunch on Friday with some parishioners from Sacred Heart Church. I had a wonderful time listening to their stories and sharing mine as well — the joys and challenges of ministry. During our meal, one of them asked me, “Father, you’ve been here for a few months now. How’s your transition to Sacred Heart Church and Maryknoll School?” I responded, “It’s been quite smooth and good so far, but at the moment, I just want to establish a team within our parish — a group of people who can help with the different ministries and events of the parish. I guess that’s my first goal this year.”

Reflecting on that conversation later, I thought about how leadership can sometimes feel lonely. I’ve heard the saying before, “it’s lonely at the top,” and there’s truth to that — especially in ministry. Even though the parishioners and staff have been welcoming, I still carry a sense of responsibility that can at times feel heavy or isolating. I have a vision for where I want our parish and school to grow, but I also know it takes time for people to understand a new leader’s ways and to walk together in that shared vision.

It reminded me of what St. Paul wrote in his final letter to Timothy: “At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”
(2 Timothy 4:16–17)

Paul knew the loneliness of leadership, but he also knew the faithfulness of God. And in his moment of trial, one man stood by him — St. Luke, his loyal companion and co-worker. “Only Luke is with me,” Paul said. Luke was not only a physician and evangelist, but also a friend who walked beside Paul when others turned away. His presence reminds us that ministry is not meant to be done alone.

The Second Vatican Council echoes this truth in its Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem, no. 10): “The laity should develop the habit of working in the parish in close union with their priests; of bringing before the ecclesial community their own problems, world problems, and questions regarding human salvation, to examine them together and solve them by general discussion.”

The Church’s mission — whether in a parish, a school, or a ministry — thrives when priests and laity work together. The priest offers spiritual leadership, but the laity bring life, experience, and creativity that make the mission complete. In our parish and school, that collaboration happens every time a teacher guides a student in faith, a volunteer helps at Mass, or a parishioner shares an idea for building community.

Just as Luke stood by Paul, God calls the laity to stand beside their priests — not behind, not beneath, but with them. When we serve together, the Lord stands among us, strengthening our hearts and blessing our efforts.

So as I continue my journey here at Sacred Heart Church and Maryknoll School, my prayer is to form that team — a circle of faith-filled companions — who will help carry the mission of Christ forward. Because when we walk together, the Gospel is not just proclaimed — it is lived.