History indicates that there are at least three Saint Valentine’s recognized in the Roman Catholic Church. The Latin name Valentinus is derived from the word valens which means worthy. During the reign of Claudius II in the second century, a Roman priest was arrested and imprisoned for marrying Christian couples. Helping Christians, during that era, was considered a crime. The priest, Valentinus, was beaten, stoned and beheaded on February 14th.
Like so many other days on the Church calendar, the remembrance of St Valentine has been romanticized and commercialized over the years. What was a commemoration of a martyred priest for spreading the gospel and marrying couples in the faith, has become chocolate, flowers, candy and hearts.
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:7, “for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline”. It is interesting that he chose those specific words.
Maybe this year you might consider those words as they relate to St Valentine and his work as it may apply to you live in a fresh and new way.
Power and active not passive and timid
Stop to notice others
See the wonder of the small and the beautiful
Listen to the story of others
Say I love you more often
Loving not lacking
Sing like nobody is listening
Dance like nobody is watching
Love like you have never been hurt
Give like your life depends on it
Disciplined life that is Kingdom purposed not self purposed
Be about the Father’s business
His work. His presence
Give thanks in all things
Glorify Him in the small and the large
Walking and living in the spirit requires discipline.
Discipline to let go.
Discipline to focus on Him.
Discipline to be poured out.
Discipline to know you’ll be filled up.
Discipline to live in Faith, Hope and Love.
And the greatest of these is Love.
Happy Valentines Day.
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