We celebrate the feast of Saint Luke, one of the four gospel writers and author of the Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles, believed to be written between 70 and 90 AD, gives a clear glimpse into the lives, the challenges and hardships experienced by the followers of Jesus and the development of the earliest Christian communities. Luke is mentioned by Paul in his Letter to the Colossians and referred to as a physician, that is, one who heals. Luke’s gospel also significantly highlights women, such as his mother Mary and other women who accompanied Jesus, as participating in ministry. It is also believed that Luke was one of the seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sent out to the towns he intended to visit. We hear of this mission in our gospel today. Jesus instructed, “Go on your way…carry no money bags, no sack, no sandals…into whatever house you enter proclaim peace…the Kingdom of God is at hand.” May we be the bearers of God’s peace and good news. May we learn from the writing of St. Luke of how Christ called all people, women and men, to the ministry and service of the gospel. (fb)

Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch. Born around 30 AD, he is recognized as one of the ancient Apostolic Fathers of the church. His letters to the early Christian communities were teachings on topics of theology, the sacraments and the role of bishops. Most important, he encouraged the faithful that Christianity is not a matter of persuading people to agree on doctrine and ideas, rather it is witnessing the faith and inviting others to share in the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. The words of Ignatius reflect what we hear from Jesus in the gospel today as he warned the people of the teaching of the Pharisees. "Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. Jesus calls his disciples both then and now to live and teach with integrity and honesty. "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” Our lives, in the service of others, must be rooted in Christ. We cannot serve God and be about our own desire for prestige, position, or worldly gain. We are called to serve and follow Christ in simplicity and humility. Let us live by the guiding words of Ignatius of Antioch, “Do not have Jesus Christ on your lips, and the world in your heart.” (fb)