LOVE IS IN THE AIR……EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO GO……
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine or the Card companies. Take you pick, but the holidays are not for cynics. ;) So who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery.
St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men .Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. (WOW THIS IS A GOOD ONE- all romantic and stuff)
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. (CHIVALRIS-YES, ROMANTIC- NOT SO MUCH)
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. ( AHHHHHH…too SWEET)
No matter where this holiday got it’s origin we cannot escape the need to share our love with other people. We were made to have relationships both romantic and friendly. It is what makes me think that Valentine’s day and Easter share such a common theme. For it was because of God’s love for us that he sent his Son, to die for us, so that we could have a close personal relationship with him. For Christ is our bridegroom and we as believers in Christ (aka the Church) are his bride preparing for our wedding day in Heaven.
No matter where you find yourself today, single, divorced, or married, you are loved so deeply by Christ that he sacrificed and suffered to save you. The ultimate act of chivalry and romance. Take hold of that fact. Hold tight to the one that loves you most, for he will never leave you or forsake you.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men .Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. (WOW THIS IS A GOOD ONE- all romantic and stuff)
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. (CHIVALRIS-YES, ROMANTIC- NOT SO MUCH)
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. ( AHHHHHH…too SWEET)
No matter where this holiday got it’s origin we cannot escape the need to share our love with other people. We were made to have relationships both romantic and friendly. It is what makes me think that Valentine’s day and Easter share such a common theme. For it was because of God’s love for us that he sent his Son, to die for us, so that we could have a close personal relationship with him. For Christ is our bridegroom and we as believers in Christ (aka the Church) are his bride preparing for our wedding day in Heaven.
No matter where you find yourself today, single, divorced, or married, you are loved so deeply by Christ that he sacrificed and suffered to save you. The ultimate act of chivalry and romance. Take hold of that fact. Hold tight to the one that loves you most, for he will never leave you or forsake you.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Labels: Reflection
posted by Valerie at
10:14 PM
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