The lectionary is taught in a three-year cycle. This third year is the Year of
Luke.We know very little about the writers of the New Testament, just as we know very little about Jesus' disciples: the focus of their writing and living was always Jesus himself.
Luke may have been a scribe, someone who writes things down for those who cannot read or write, or some sort of professional writer: an historian or a chronicler, although he calls himself a physician. He accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys, serving as Paul's secretary. Luke had a wonderful ear for poetry, and his writing comes alive through strong language and bright detail.
He
was very interested in the women of early Christianity,
even recording the names of servant women. He seems to have listened to
them closely, as he added the women's perspectives to his story of the life
of Jesus.Luke also wrote the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, the story of the lives of the early Christians as they found The Way of living out the teachings of Jesus. This year is a good time to read the Book of Acts in its entirely, as it continues the story Luke begins in the Gospel of Luke. Luke addresses the book to Theophilus, which means someone who loves God. We may believe that is the name or nickname of someone Luke knew, or we may insert our own names there.
We are blessed in this Year of Luke with a year of poetry, as Luke begins with three beautiful hymns of praise from Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon, adding detail and drama to Mark's bare-bones telling of the Good News.