Homily: October 18, 2025, Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist (Right - Companion)

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“Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”

This line from today’s Gospel captures the mission Jesus gave to His seventy-two disciples. He sent them out two by two, trusting completely in divine providence. Tradition tells us that St. Luke, whose feast we celebrate today, was among these seventy-two.

Jesus’ instruction was clear: they were to depend entirely on God. No extra money, no supplies, no comfort just faith and obedience. It sounds difficult, but throughout history, we’ve seen countless saints who lived this way: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Mother Teresa, and many others who relied fully on God’s providence and never lacked what they truly needed.

In the first reading, St. Paul writes to Timothy and mentions St. Luke. He laments that many of his companions abandoned him, but says with great affection, “Only Luke is with me.” Luke stayed faithful to Paul even when others walked away.

Luke was not only Paul’s companion; he was also a physician both for the body and the soul. He traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, cared for him when he was beaten or imprisoned, and encouraged him when he was weary. And beyond that, Luke gave us two of the greatest gifts of the New Testament: The Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

His Gospel shows a man of compassion one who paid special attention to the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the Gentiles. Luke believed that the mercy of God was for everyone, not just for a few. And it is striking that he placed his trust in Paul a man once known as a persecutor. While many were suspicious of Paul after his conversion, Luke believed in the power of God’s grace to change hearts. Together they brought the Gospel to countless people who had never heard it before.

God provided St. Paul with the right companion someone loyal, kind, intelligent, and filled with faith. In the same way, God also provides each of us with the people and graces we need for our journey.

Let us learn from Luke to trust in divine providence to believe that God will give us what we need, when we need it, and through the people He places in our path. May we also be faithful companions to one another in the mission of Christ.

St. Luke, pray for us. Amen.


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