The First Sunday of Advent introduces the new liturgical year.  During 2025, our attention for the Sunday Gospels of Ordinary Time finds its focus on Luke’s story of Jesus.  A look at the opening words of this third of the Synoptic Gospels gives us a perspective on what to expect.  Luke writes:

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. (Lk 1:1-4)

We discover immediately that Luke is not one of the Apostles.  A little reading in the New Testament uncovers the fact that he has been a disciple of Paul.  We might wonder at the extent that one hears something of Paul’s vision of Jesus in Luke’s words.  His resolve to seek out all the information on Jesus and then express it clearly provides a welcome promise to his readers.  Each of us might be, as it happens, the “Theophilus,” the “Lover of God” for whom Luke writes.

During these first weeks of Advent, we hear regularly from Luke.  He tells the birth narrative of Jesus with Mary at the center.  Her story of the Annunciation holds pride of place—as it should.  It comes between the conception of John the Baptist and the Visitation when Mary goes to help her cousin Elizabeth (the mother of John).  At the Annunciation, Luke records those word of Mary which mark the outset of our New Testament faith: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).  With this affirmation, Jesus takes human flesh.

During the course of this liturgical year, we shall find Luke’s emphasis upon Jesus as healer of body, mind, spirit, and relationship; we shall hear many parables (Luke has 38); we shall find Jesus sitting at multiple tables with many kinds of people; and we will hear the Holy Spirit at work as we move towards Luke’s second work, the Acts of the Apostles with its celebrations of Pentecost.  Other Lucan emphases can also be identified.

As Vincentians, one element in Luke’s story of Jesus calls for our particular embrace—in fact, it must receive special emphasis.  In this Gospel, Jesus gives special attention to the poor and the marginalized.  From the birth in a manger to the exposure on the cross, the Lord finds a place among the poor and is numbered as one of them.  In his opening sermon in the synagogue of Nazareth, Jesus proclaims the focus of his ministry as he quotes Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”  (Lk 4:18-19)

This sentiment found a prominent place in the hearts and hands of Vincent and Louise.  Thankfully, it continues among us today.  Attending to the message in Luke’s Gospel provides an ongoing encouragement to our faith as we pray with these pages.