How many song titles can you recall that include the word, LOVE? Do you remember the old tunes, “Love Makes the World Go Round”, “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”, and even Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”? The list is endless. In today’s world of upheaval, war, and strife more than ever we need a little love in our universe and hearts.
February 14th has arrived and Valentines Day along with it. As usual, the stores, media and online platforms are drenched with hearts and cupids juxtaposed with the horrendous aftermath of the latest bombings near and far. Still, we who live in more peaceful climes try to carry on with life as usual despite food shortages, homelessness and growing personal debt.
As Valentine’s Day arrives, I picture men running to stores at the last-minute thinking of expensive roses and chocolates that few can afford today, to say nothing of costly gems and jewelry. Meanwhile, we waste away on a media diet of guns and weapons. We might well wonder, “Who was this obscure St. Valentine who creates an annual February love frenzy in the midst of seeming darkness”? In fact, research explains that there were two men named Valentine who were martyred several years apart on February 14. Google states, “St. Valentine of Rome was martyred in AD269. Two centuries later, on February 14, AD469 St. Valentine’s Day was established by Pope Gelesius, in honor of the Christian martyr”.
Throughout the intervening centuries, St. Valentines Day has continued to be celebrated as a special day honoring love and loved ones. Yes, roses, chocolates and fancy cards are fine, but the legend of St. Valentine about which I learned in elementary school, was a different story. This Valentine was a humble priest who sometimes lamented that he was neither a revered monseigneur nor exalted bishop but a lowly pastor. One day, as Valentine was sitting downcast, he heard a whisper, “Do the little things, Valentine, with great love”. Valentine heeded God’s urging and became a generous, loving presence to his parishioners.
We too, can make St. Valentine’s Day more than the gifting of manufactured hearts and fresh roses. We can craft a card with heartfelt wishes or practice daily acts of love: helping around home, visiting a shut-in, making a special phone call, cultivating a thankful heart, and sharing lots of hugs.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ
Image: Unsplash/Pawel Czerwinski