As we remember and give thanks for St. Luke the Evangelist this week (18 October), let us consider the Lord’s gracious care and provision for both body and soul, for this life on earth and the Life everlasting. St. Paul describes him as a “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), and it is interesting to note the various references that St. Luke makes to the work of medical doctors in his Gospel. In particular, he records that the people of Nazareth were of a mind to tell Jesus, “Physician, heal Yourself!” (St. Luke 4:23), whereas “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (St. Luke 5:31).
We rightly appreciate and give thanks to God for the good work of medical doctors, who are surely among His gifts of “daily bread” for this body and life. Such gifts are not to be despised but received in faith and with gratitude. Christ be praised the St. Luke was able to love and serve his neighbors in this capacity, as well. And let us likewise pray and intercede for our own doctors and medical caregivers, that the Lord would preserve them in peace and bless their labors to the glory of His Holy Name.
But let us also bear in mind that, as an Evangelist, as a minister of the Gospel, St. Luke was privileged to proclaim a saving remedy for every disease, infirmity, and sickness, and even for death itself, in the Word and Flesh of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. In doing so, St. Luke has prescribed and pointed us to the “Medicine of Immortality,” in which we are given the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection. By the blessed Gospel, though our bodies get sick and die and return to the dust, they shall be raised immortal, imperishable, and glorious, like unto the glorious Body of our crucified and risen Lord Jesus.