The Cloak of Friendship

~~~ Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist ~~~

~~~ 2 Timothy 4:10-17b ~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ Luke 10:1-9 ~~~

 

Luke is the only one with me.

 

Some scholars believe that Saint Luke was a slave.

It is also commonly held that he was trained as a physician.

We know too he was a close friend of Paul.

Luke was a Gentile, not a Jew.

Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles.

While we do not know the details of his conversion

we do know that he became close friends with Saint Paul.

 

In Paul's final time in prison it is his faithful follower

and friend Luke

who remains by his side.

 

Luke's writings are unique in his perspective.

Only in Luke's Gospel do we have Mary's beautiful Magnificat.

Luke tells us of Mary's visit to Elizabeth...the Annunciation.

Only in Luke do we hear the Prodigal Son parable of mercy and forgiveness.

Like gives us a picture of Jesus consistently reaching out to sinners.

Luke seemed to have a special place in his heart for the poor and for women.

 

 

Paul is asking for some of his belongs

to be brought to him while he is in prison.

There are many things in life that hold sentimental value for us.

Paul is confined and is seeking what little comfort he can

 through some things from home.

 

When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.

Perhaps he is cold in his cell and needs his cloak for warmth.

Maybe cooler weather is moving into the area.

Maybe he just wants to wrap himself up in his cloak...

like a security blanket.

 

The papyrus rolls and the parchments most likely

contain some of his previous writings.

Maybe they are even old journal manuscript.

Keeping a journal allows you to capture

the details and emotions connected to a certain time period or event.

 

Reading over what you have written months or years later can bring joy.

In prison, Paul continues to reach out to his followers.

Who can really cheer up Paul?

 

He is being confined, unable to go himself and preach.

He has the strong desire to be out with the others,

but that is not possible.

As he rereads his previous writings

Paul is reminded of some points he wants to include

in his subsequent letters.

 

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious

splendor of your Kingdom.

 

Paul was blessed to have his friend Luke.

We too are blessed with good friends in our life.

 

I am so grateful for my friends.

Like Luke, my friends bring me great comfort.

Friends provide the cloak of love and support.

 

I invite you to say a prayer today especially for your friends.

For it is by your friends that you are defined.

I strive to be worthy of my friendships.

May we offer mutual care.

Blessed through friendship.