Love Valentine?
For me, Valentines Day has always seemed a bit overrated. The person behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine. There were at least three Valentines recorded in early Christian history. Most believe the Valentine honored was the one who lived in Rome in the third century. Seems this Valentine performed marriages for Romans soldiers in defiance of the Emperor’s decree that all Roman soldiers should be single. This made him very popular throughout Rome.

That is to say, Valentine was popular with everyone except the Emperor. As a result he was martyred on Feb. 14 around the year 270. In the two centuries that followed, Valentine became a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church and was named the Patron Saint of love and marriage. In 496 AD, the Pope wanted to discourage participation in a Roman fertility festival on Feb. 15. Thus, the Pope proclaimed February 14 to be a feast day in honor of Saint Valentine.

Now, because of a former Pope, an Emperor, and a rebellious priest, I have to endure sentimental movies, buy chocolate, and stress over finding the “right” card each February. That does not seem fair. In the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, Paul does not say, “love is shallow, love is sappy, love involves fattening confections, and creative cards.” Most of us know that sentimental love fades faster than fresh flowers purchased at Publix. For us guys, it would be less stressful if the Pope had named a feast day for a Saint who sat a lot on sofas. Alas, that did not happen.

Legend has it that when Valentine was brought before the Emperor because of the weddings he performed, he was asked to proclaim his allegiance to the Roman gods. Valentine refused, shared his faith, and invited the Emperor to believe in Jesus Christ. This sacrificial act of love resulted in Valentine being martyred.

In defining love, Paul does say that love, “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails, (1 Corinth. 13:7-8, NIV.)” Because love is not about what I want or what I get. Instead, love is about who loves you and your willingness to share. Thanks to Paul’s resounding words and St. Valentine’s willingness to die for his Christ-like convictions, I guess men of the world can patiently persevere a day to remember that love is one of the greatest gifts God gives. That is a good reason to celebrate. Now excuse me while I go rent, “Sleepless in Seattle.”

Your Valentine loving Vicar in Christ,

James