On Saturday we remember St Valentine, and there will be many a gift and card exchanged between lovers – and of course there will be those who are trying to woo (perhaps an old-fashioned word) someone in particular and attract their attention in order to start a relationship. St Valentine was a priest or Bishop of Terni who was martyred under Emperor Claudius. No one is quite sure of the connection between him and love, but it is thought that there might be a link between the mating of birds in the Ides of February (approx. the middle of the month).
Whatever the connection may be, in the Christian church it is looked upon as the day we remind ourselves how great the love of God is for each and every one of us, and that love manifested itself through Jesus who was born into this world and the sacrifice he made to prove that his love is real for every one of us. Jesus’ life on earth also showed us how we are to live our lives, and that we should reflect that love in everything that we do: respecting all people whatever their background, culture or tradition.
In our human weakness, we sometimes fail to do that because of prejudice, self-preservation, or perhaps because of fear of the reaction we might receive. Nonetheless, we are encouraged to follow the ways of God, and that means loving, caring and look after one another. Jesus’ words, as recorded in the Bible are, “Love one another, as you love yourselves”. I hope that we can all follow those words and make the world a much better place to live in.
I wish you God’s love and peace.
Revd Graham
