Valentine's Day: Embracing God's love and redefining relationships in modern society
An image of a big, red heart. (Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels)
Every February 14th, hearts of red, pink, and plush overflow the landscape. Chocolates are exchanged, roses bloom, and cards whisper endearments. But beneath the glitter and candy lies a curious jumble of history, religious influence, and modern interpretations that shape our understanding of Valentine's Day.
A tangled web of origins
The day's namesake, Saint Valentine, remains shrouded in mystery. Was he a priest secretly marrying soldiers forbidden to wed by Emperor Claudius II? Or another Valentine who defied the emperor by aiding persecuted Christians? Legends swirl, making it hard to separate fact from fiction.
February 14th's connection to love may stem from pre-Christian Roman festivals. Lupercalia, a fertility and purification ritual, involved matchmaking games and lotteries based on names drawn from urns. While not directly romantic, it laid a foundation for associating the day with love and courtship.
The Catholic Church steps in
In the 5th century, amidst the decline of Lupercalia, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day. While initial intentions were likely religious, the association with romantic love gradually arose in the Middle Ages. Chaucer's poetry and European courtly love traditions solidified the link between the day and amorous expressions.
From handwritten notes to Hallmark holidays
The 19th century saw the commercialization of Valentine's Day in America. Inspired by English greeting cards, Esther Howland began mass-producing Valentine's Day cards. It transformed them from personal expressions to readily available tokens of affection. In the 20th century, we witnessed further commercialization, with chocolates, flowers, and other gifts becoming staples of the celebration.
Pursuing the Great Commandment
"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Valentine's Day often centers on romantic love. But the message of Jesus expands and redefines our familiar notion of love. It's not just about chocolates, roses, and candlelit dinners. The Lord talks about a love that encompasses everything.
The Bible itself doesn't directly address Valentine's Day. However, it offers broader perspectives on love, emphasizing its importance in various forms – love for God, for spouse and family, and even for one's neighbor. Some argue that focusing solely on romantic love on February 14th narrows the scope of biblical teachings. Others find room for celebrating this particular form of love within the broader context of Christian beliefs.
Remember the wisdom etched in the Scriptures. Love, in its most accurate form, engulfs our very being – heart, soul, and mind. Let's embrace this love in all its splendor this Valentine's Day. Let our devotion to the divine shimmer like a jewel- fervent prayer, and let kindness for our fellow humans bloom and radiate.
Let this Valentine's Day be a testament to the transformative power of love in its grandest expression. Let it be a bridge to God, our Heavenly Creator who created love. For in the grand orchestra of life, every act of compassion, every whispered prayer, and every outstretched hand becomes a beautiful expression of compassion.
