As my hubby and I share Valentine cards this morning, I wonder who was this St. Valentine and why do we celebrate his day? 

Doing a little research on the subject, I found that there were actually three Valentines, all sainted for their martyrdom.  The most well known is probably Valentine who was a preacher in Rome. He got in trouble with the Emperor Claudius II, allegedly over Claudius’ prohibition of marriage for young men.  It seems Claudius needed more soldiers!   Valentine got tossed into prison, where legend has it he fell in love with the jailor’s daughter who had befriended him.  On his way to execution, he wrote her a little note signed “Your Valentine.”  The church sainted Valentine for his martyrdom, and as for the note . . . well who knows, it may have started a tradition.  In case you’re wondering, it was Pope Gelasiius I (492 AD) who declared February 14^th to be the feast of St. Valentine.

So share a little love today, whether with your spouse, friend, children or grandchildren.  If Valentine’s Day is a reminder to do that, then it’s not all bad.  (If you’re adding some chocolates, I like mine dark with soft centers.)

Thank you, Jesus, for this day, for a simple reminder to speak and show love to one another.  We thank you for your unfailing and unconditional love to us.  Praise be to our God who doesn’t need cards with red hearts and flowers as a reminder but loves us on February 14^th and on each and every day of the year as well.

Judy