Saint Luke the Evangelist

Who is he?

Saint Luke is one of the four Evangelists, the four writers of the four Gospels. He was not one of the Twelve Apostles and probably never met Jesus in person. He was a doctor and a faithful co-worker of Saint Paul.

Life story

According to tradition, Saint Luke was born in Antioch and was not Jewish. He went with Saint Paul on many missionary journeys, walking and sailing to many lands. Saint Paul called him “Luke the beloved physician” (Col 4:14). When Saint Paul was in prison and his other companions had gone far away, Luke stayed. Saint Paul wrote: “Luke alone is with me” (2 Tm 4:11).

Before writing his Gospel, he carefully looked into everything from the beginning, then wrote it down in order (cf. Lk 1:1-4). Thanks to him, we know the story of the angel bringing the news to Mary, Mary visiting Elizabeth, and Jesus being born and laid in a manger. He also wrote down beautiful parables about mercy, like the Good Samaritan and the loving father who runs out to hug his prodigal son when he comes home. In the Acts of the Apostles, he tells how the Holy Spirit guided the first Church to announce the Gospel.

According to another tradition, he painted the first picture of Mary, so he is honored as the patron saint of doctors and painters. Pictures and statues often show him beside a winged ox, the symbol of the Gospel he wrote.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Luke used his talents to serve the Gospel: he cared for the sick, stayed faithfully beside Saint Paul even in the hardest times, and carefully wrote down for every generation how much Jesus loves the poor, sinners and those who are left out.

A lesson for you

• Pay attention and help when someone in your family is sick, or when your friends are ill.
• Be a faithful friend, especially when your friend is going through a hard time.
• Read the Gospel of Luke, and tell someone else a parable you like.