Valentines Day

February 14th. St. Valentines Day.

Sometimes, I think people celebrate holidays simply because they can, without looking into the meaning of them. Which is why Valentines Day is celebrated with hearts and cupids and chocolates and flowers. And numerous people without a romantic partner simply call it Single Awareness Day.
I like to look at it from a different perspective.

I like to look at who the saint actually was. So here is an excerpt from catholic.org, "The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a temple priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. One text from 1493 states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth (Claudius II). Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome (when helping them was considered a crime) Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor- whereupon the priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate (circa 269). One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine". He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom." <- And this wasn't even all the information about him. I tried to select the best bits.

So, when you speak of love this Valentines Day, perhaps you need to speak of a different kind of love. Do, speak of love that is found in couples, but also, speak of a greater love, love that made a man defy the law, and thus be put to death. Its fine to send your significant other roses this Sunday, but just keep in mind why this day was celebrated in the first place. And if you are single this Valentines day, remember, this day is not all about showing you are in a relationship with a human, but rather, in a deeper relationship with God.

Jesus, will you be my Valentine?