Feast of St. Luke’s Mass Readings and Reflection on October 18 2025

 

First Reading: (2 Timothy 4:10–17)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 145), “Your saints, O Lord, make known the glory of your reign.”

Gospel: (Luke 10:1–9)

St. Luke was not a Jew but a Gentile, a man who once lived as a pagan. By profession, he was a doctor, educated and compassionate, and he was born in Antioch around the first century A.D. Through his encounters with St. Paul, he came to faith in Christ, converted, and became one of the greatest witnesses to the Gospel. He wrote both the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, dying at the age of 84.

Luke’s writings focus on God’s mercy and love for all people, especially the poor, the outcast, and women. His gospel emphasizes universal salvation, that God’s love is not reserved for the Jews alone but is open to all nations. This is why Luke included parables like:

• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10),

• The Prodigal Son,

• The Lost Coin,

• The Rich Fool, and

• The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

Through these stories, he reminds us that God’s mercy knows no boundaries. The same God who welcomed Luke, a Gentile and a sinner, invites each of us into His grace.

Our lessons for Today:

1. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
   St. Luke’s transformation from pagan to evangelist proves that God’s grace can reach anyone who is open to it.

2.  We should surround ourselves with people who strengthen our faith.
   Luke became holy through his companionship with St. Paul. Our relationships can either lead us closer to God or away from Him.

3. We should cooperate with God’s grace.
   God’s grace is always active, but it requires our willingness to change and grow.

4. We should love the poor and welcome all.
   Like Luke, we are called to extend compassion, not judgment, to be instruments of God’s inclusive love.

A Call to Action:

We should not write people off because of their past. Instead, see in them what God sees, a potential saint in the making.
We should not also be content with our own weaknesses. The Lord can use us, just as He used St. Luke, if we let Him.

We should also continue praying, learning, and growing in faith. We should join communities that inspire us to holiness, and above all, live the Gospel through love.

God bless you 

Pal Ronnie