St. Valentine knew that he might get caught in his Christian activities. He knew that if he continued to marry those who were in love, he would soon get caught. He knew that by helping other Christians escape from the tortures and beatings brought on by the Romans, that he would bring greater punishment upon himself when he was caught. He knew that if he told the court the truth about the Roman gods that he would be thrown into prison. And he also knew that if he continued to remain true to his faith in Christ that his life was in danger.
But he continued anyway, because he loved Christ with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and he loved his neighbor as himself. He was willing to risk his life to free the prisoners and spread the Gospel of Christ to those who needed to hear it. Because of his concern also for those who needed to be married in the Christian faith, St. Valentine is known today as the Patron Saint of sweethearts and lovers.
The Bible Says: "No one has greater love than this, than to lay down one's life for one's friends."(John 15:13) God showed us this love by coming in Christ to die for our sins. And St. Valentine demonstrated this love when he died for his friends, and for his faith in Christ. This is the kind of love that Valentine's Day is really all about. And this is what his Feast Day of Feb. 14 should bring to our minds. May God help us to have that same kind of love for others, and that same kind of commitment and faithfulness to Christ, even in the face of death, until the Lord calls us home.
By: OFFRE JEREMAIH A.
