The Curious Case of Valentine’s Day

Saturday is Valentine’s Day.  (Let this also serve as a public service announcement to those who perennially forget until the night before!)  It’s a day of chocolates, roses, and romantic dinners.  It’s a day for doing something to celebrate the one you love and the love you share.  Thanks to a multi-million dollar industry that’s built around this day, it has become a cultural staple in America.  It might be the biggest holiday of the year after Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and July 4.  But its roots have little to do with romance.  St. Valentine was a 3rd-century saint known for caring for persecuted Christians.  He lived at a time when followers of Jesus were being put to death for their faith.  Valentine ministered to them and their families.  In Roman Catholic tradition, he is the saint of epilepsy and beekeepers.

I’m not sure how a day named for Mr. Valentine turned into a romantic holiday.  But it makes sense that we celebrate love on February 14, even if in its lesser forms.  Valentine put God’s love into action.  He gave God’s love hands and feet by caring for those in great distress.  As a way to reclaim this day, we can remember Mr. Valentine.  Go ahead and buy the flowers and chocolates, and a Hallmark card.  But remember that the greatest love of all is God’s.  We can express it most when we serve others in Jesus’ name.