THE COLOR OF THE WORLD

 
We welcomed distinguished members of our Board of Trustees to campus on Wednesday for their annual visitation. Escorted by Senior Prefects, they toured the campus throughout the morning, peeking in on divisional convocations, classes, and enrichment opportunities. And though our trustees wandered through the stunning new construction and recent renovations of our campus, conversations were focused on what was happening in the midst of these spaces. They witnessed fourth graders acting out scenes to demonstrate empathy, Middle Division choristers singing a beautiful rendition of “Diamonds,” and a stunning set of a Capella sounds performed by the Mello Divas. Attention was surely fixated on our students and their unique gifts.
 
Yes, our students truly bring this campus to life, inhabiting our architecture with color and richness and splendor. These incredible buildings are certainly a gift to our community, but what takes place among them is beyond remarkable.
 
On Thursday, the church celebrates the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, known as the beloved physician who authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Each Gospel writer has their own style and perspective of the good news of God in the world, and Luke is no different.
 
Matthew writes from the lens of an accountant, focusing on numbers and making sure all matters are settled in distinctive terms. Mark is quick and to the point, not wasting time on details, but rather, honing in on the matter at hand. John is more reflective, as he waxes poetically on the human and divine natures of Jesus the Christ, weaving theology with metaphor and images.
 
Luke, in contrast, is the definitive storyteller. He is known for bringing color to the classic encounters that shape the heart of Christianity. Luke doesn’t just give facts, but instead, creates avenues for readers to enter the stories themselves; opens doors for readers to relate with the characters he so vividly describes. Unique to his Gospel are some of the most beloved tales in the sacred text, including the parables of the good Samaritan and walk to Emmaus, the return of the prodigal son, and Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree.
 
The church is grateful to Luke for enlivening truth through the power of human interactions. He is less concerned with the framework of theology or the political forces that lead to the public execution of a rabble-rousing Rabbi of first-century Palestine. He has less regard to doctrine and dogma. He does not merely seek to justify Jesus as God in the flesh. No, Luke chooses to let the divine spark of humanity speak through the stories of everyday people. And in doing so, he gives profound meaning to life in community.
 
It is no surprise that countless believers fall in love with the characters in Luke’s Gospel.
 
It is no surprise that anyone who comes to our campus is inspired by our beloved students.
 
Let us remember the beauty on display through the children entrusted to our care. And be continually provoked by storytellers who bring color to ordinary life.

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