St. Luke, the Gospel writer and physician, is the patron saint of artists, brewers, butchers, doctors, notaries, painters, physicians and surgeons.
In his Gospel, St. Luke emphasizes the universality of salvation, the poor and lowly, God’s mercy, and joy in following Jesus.
“Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.’” -Luke 5:10
St. Luke, pray for us!
Today is the feast of St. John Chrysostom, the great preacher. Take a minute to reflect on his commentary about helping others in a spirit of joy:
“Helping a person in need is good in itself. But the degree of goodness is hugely affected by the attitude with which it is done. If you show resentment because you are helping the person out of a reluctant sense of duty, then the person may 
recieve your help but may feel awkward and embarrassed. This is because he will feel beholden to you. If,on the other hand, you help the person in a spirit of joy, then the help will be received joyfully. The person will feel neither demeaned nor humiliated by your help, but rather will feel glad to have caused you pleasure by receiving your help. And joy is the appropriate attitude with which to help others because acts of generosity are a source of blessing to the giver as well as the receiver.”
St. John Chrysostom, help us to fill our lives with joyful preaching, through word and example. Pray for us!
In preparation for the Advent of Christ, reflect on this excerpt by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI about the true joy of Christmas:
“Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money. We can communicate this joy simply: with a smile, a kind gesture, a little help, forgiveness. And the joy we give will certainly come back to us.…Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.”
