Trending
It's likely that if you asked someone how Valentine's Day got its name, they would answer, because that's the day when we give valentines to our loved ones. As so often is the case, the truth is much more beautiful, much more Christian.
According to ancient Christian legend, the first notes of love were given by St. Valentine, a Roman martyr whose feast day is Feb. 14.
He wrote consoling letters professing his Christ-like love while in prison awaiting death. The words of Jesus to his beloved disciples as he prepared to die come to mind, "Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
Some accounts say that these letters were to couples which he had married in Christian ceremonies contrary to Roman law.
Other accounts mention him writing a letter of loving encouragement to the daughter of an official who was responsible for St. Valentine's imprisonment, a young girl whom he had miraculously healed of her blindness. Both may be true. The important thing is that this holy Christian was so convinced of the goodness of God and the reward awaiting him that he focused on those in need of confirmation of God's love for them instead of his own plight.
St. Valentine was a heroic Christian whose heart was filled with Christ-like love, and he witnessed this by his life and martyrdom. "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."1 John 4:16
I wish you all a Happy St. Valentine's day.
-- -- -- --
Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Rev. Fr. Joseph Orr of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Lock Haven.