We dream of an autumn like the above picture this year. With blazing woods of gold, of children scuffing through piles of crunchy leaves collecting conkers. But who was St Luke?
Autumn
At present we watch autumn clouds drifting across the sky. A gentle breeze stirs a rustle of leaves. We hear the autumn call of a lone chiffchaff that is with us again this year. Also the ‘yaffle’ of a green woodpecker on next door’s lawn. The local flock of jackdaws circle around the trees relishing the early autumn sunshine. A rustling squirrel is searching after the nuts in our hazel trees, while the blackbird is feeding on the grape vine on the house wall.
Such are the pictures that October yields
To please the poet as he walks the fields.From October in John Clare’s Shepherds Calendar
Autumn Day
It will not always be like this,
The air windless, a few last
Leaves adding their decoration
To the trees’ shoulders, braiding the cuffs
Of the boughs with gold; a bird preening
In the lawn’s mirror. Having looked up
From the day’s chores, pause a minute,
Let the mind take its photograph
Of the bright scene, something to wear
Against the heart in the long cold.
R S Thomas
Autumn Pannage
2025 is also proving to be a Mast year with an extra abundance of beech mast and oak acorns. It is going to be a good year for the pigs’ pannage in the New Forest.
The old tradition of autumn pannage is when pigs are released into the woods in order to eat the oak acorns (which are poisonous to horses, but not pigs.) The practice dates back to the 11th century when it was granted by William the Conqueror to the Forest commoners. Today, the start and end dates of the season are set each year by the Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst.
‘St Luke’s Little Summer’
St. Luke’s Little Summer is a traditional term for a ‘mini-season’ of unusually warm weather that often occurs in autumn in the UK, around St.Luke’s Day on October 18th. This year at present the weather is fair but will it last?
Illuminated Image from the Gospel of Luke in the Anglo-Saxon Lindisfarne Gospels written in the 8th century
From the British Library
Who was St Luke?
Luke the beloved physician was the companion of the Apostle Paul and the author of the Gospel of Luke followed by the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke/Acts is the exciting story about the heart of true Christianity, the Faith that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, converted the great Roman Empire.
We turn his page to find his face, revealing.
The wonder, and the welcome of the poor.
He breathes good news to all who bear a burden,
Good news to all who turn and try again,
The meek rejoice and prodigals find pardon,
The voiceless find their voice in every word
And with our Lady, magnify our Lord.From Malcolm Guite’s Sonnet to Saint Luke
Doctors keep accurate details of the problems of their patients.. Luke’s preface shows a doctor’s care over the records:
Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.
Luke 1:1-4
Luke’s record of what happened has influenced countless millions over the centuries, including me. I have found reading his Luke/Acts writing a wonderful way to discover the heart of the Christian Faith.
A Listening Heart 
I too love reading Luke’s Gospel. He is so interested in people and, typically for a doctor, in all the ailments of the people who came to Christ for help. I also like that you have included a poem by Malcolm Guite. I went to a quiet day led by him in Felixstowe during Lent this year and he was absolutely fantastic to listen to. I hope you and your family are well.
LikeLike
Yes, Malcolm Guite’s sonnet to St Luke sums up Luke’s Gospel so beautifully. I never fail to be inspired by Malcolm’s engaging talks. He is such a good communicator, bringing poetry and poetic literature alive. Best wishes to you and the family,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike