On this day, there's special gifts, dinners, expressions of love. St Valentine martyred himself by refusing to give up faith in Christ and advocated for the true love of marriage. He recognized fidelity, dedication, and sacrifice, which any successful couple embraces. I know a couple that just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I see them hold hands, and once after our choir finished the morning song, she moved over and sat with him. I heard him a few days ago call her 'babe'. It's astonishing to think of the commitment, healing, forgiveness, dedication, patience, fidelity and sacrifice to express the meaning of love for so long.
It's nice to have a day of recognition of love, true love, and its expression.
On the other hand, in Islamic countries, Valentines Day is against the law. The Morality Police (yes, an actual law enforcement agency) will arrest people that show love on that day. Islamic dictatorships every year denounce this day, and threaten people. I wonder how dictators think they can outlaw love. People die for it; have been martyred for it.
About Valentine himself, he actually existed. There exists a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. He defied Emperor Claudius II by not only helping persecuted Christians, but married them against Claudius' decree. He was beaten, stoned and tortured, yet still continued his ministry, even from prison. Finally Claudius had enough, and had him killed. According to tradition he was beheaded on February 14, circa 270 CE. Another tradition is that he had made friends with Claudius' daughter, and just before his execution wrote her a farewell letter, and signed it "From your Valentine".
Today we honor the principles of Valentine, of compassion, forgiveness, dedication, fidelity, and long lasting meaningful love.
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