It is Valentine's Day; a day in which much of our society celebrates romantic love and affection. There is nothing wrong with that, such love should be celebrated. A marriage needs romance (which should occur on more than one day a year, guys!) and it is important to make a point of cherishing your loved one. This should be a day that is means more than simply spending money, you should give of yourself to the one you love. Share your thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears; show them that you cherish them.
But it is also a day when those without a romantic interest in their lives can feel sad, lonely, and some even feel bitter and angry. It can be hard to watch your friends and family gush about love and wonder, "when will it be my turn?" This is also an especially hard holiday for those who have lost a beloved spouse, and feel the absence of where there once was a loving embrace.
It is important to realize that this day, the day of St. Valentine, is so much more than candy, cards and a dinner date. Today is a day where we commemorate the memory of St. Valentine, who was executed for his faith around 278 AD, under the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II. Valentine, who had been known for his strong faith and pious acts, performed the marriage service for Christian couples at a time when such marriages were outlawed. He was imprisoned, clubbed and then beheaded for his faith. So on this day, in which we celebrate love, let us also celebrate the great love that Valentine had for God, for he would not disown his faith even to save his life, and the love he had for his fellow believers. This is a day in which we should first give praise to God, as on all days, and secondly, show our love to fellow believers; knowing that we are called to honor them, love them, show generosity/hospitality to them, and protect them as one protects members of your own family.
We should also remember, my friends, that on a day when we can feel lonely in a world reveling in pink and red hearts, that we have the gift of the greatest of loves; that of God. You are not alone, or forsaken, friends, for God is closer than your heart beat, nearer to you than anyone else could possibly be. He is the Lord Almighty who knew you before He formed the world, it is He who has your name upon His palms so that you are ever before Him, and it is He who loves you enough to have died in order to secure your salvation, so that you might be with Him for eternity. Who could love you more? He loves you with an everlasting love, and bids you gently to come and abide in the shelter of that love.
So whether you are celebrating this day with your romantic love, getting together with friends, or spending the day quietly going about life, stop to remember that above all else you have this; the love of God. God who adores you, is delighted with you, and who has made provision so that you might be with Him for eternity. Nothing can compare to that love, so lets revel in that today!
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
But it is also a day when those without a romantic interest in their lives can feel sad, lonely, and some even feel bitter and angry. It can be hard to watch your friends and family gush about love and wonder, "when will it be my turn?" This is also an especially hard holiday for those who have lost a beloved spouse, and feel the absence of where there once was a loving embrace.
It is important to realize that this day, the day of St. Valentine, is so much more than candy, cards and a dinner date. Today is a day where we commemorate the memory of St. Valentine, who was executed for his faith around 278 AD, under the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II. Valentine, who had been known for his strong faith and pious acts, performed the marriage service for Christian couples at a time when such marriages were outlawed. He was imprisoned, clubbed and then beheaded for his faith. So on this day, in which we celebrate love, let us also celebrate the great love that Valentine had for God, for he would not disown his faith even to save his life, and the love he had for his fellow believers. This is a day in which we should first give praise to God, as on all days, and secondly, show our love to fellow believers; knowing that we are called to honor them, love them, show generosity/hospitality to them, and protect them as one protects members of your own family.
We should also remember, my friends, that on a day when we can feel lonely in a world reveling in pink and red hearts, that we have the gift of the greatest of loves; that of God. You are not alone, or forsaken, friends, for God is closer than your heart beat, nearer to you than anyone else could possibly be. He is the Lord Almighty who knew you before He formed the world, it is He who has your name upon His palms so that you are ever before Him, and it is He who loves you enough to have died in order to secure your salvation, so that you might be with Him for eternity. Who could love you more? He loves you with an everlasting love, and bids you gently to come and abide in the shelter of that love.
So whether you are celebrating this day with your romantic love, getting together with friends, or spending the day quietly going about life, stop to remember that above all else you have this; the love of God. God who adores you, is delighted with you, and who has made provision so that you might be with Him for eternity. Nothing can compare to that love, so lets revel in that today!
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
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