Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day

   Today, February 14^th is commonly celebrated as Valentine’s Day with gifts of chocolate, colorful & poetic cards, amorous dinners, and other whimsical gestures.  Some hope for a special person with whom to spend the evening, some send everyone they know notes/cards expressing their care, while others dread and resent the day because of its representations of romantic love.

   So how did February 14^th come to be the focus of chocolate, roses, and fancy dinners?  February 14^th is actually the day that the Catholic church remembers St Valentine of Rome.  Valentine lived during the third-century and, though not much is known about him, there is a high level of agreement that he was martyred and buried north of Rome on the Via Flaminia.  Perhaps this recollection should not be limited to those of us who are Catholic. Here are a few stories that seem to be repeated about Valentine’s life.

Valentine and Judge Asterius. 

   One common story about St. Valentine is that, as the former Bishop of Terni, Narnia and Amelia, he was placed under house arrest by Judge Asterius. While discussing religion and faith with the Judge, Valentine pledged the validity of Jesus. Asterius put Valentine and his faith to the test by challenging Valentine to restore the sight of his blind daughter.  If Valentine could do this, Asterius vowed to do anything for him.  Valentine prayed and the child’s vision was restored.  Humbled, Judge Astherius did as Valentine requested, breaking every idol in his home.  He also fasted for three days and became baptized.  Not only Asterius, but his entire family and household were baptized.  Additionally, the judge, now committed to Jesus, freed all the Christians that he had detained as inmates.

Valentine arrested.

   Valentine was arrested again because he would not stop attempting to convert people to Christianity.  It was illegal and therefore dangerous to declare faith in Jesus or to identify as a Christian.  With this latter arrest, he was sent to Rome where he came in contact with the emperor Claudius II.  It is under Claudius that Valentine was martyred for his faith.  It is reported that attention was drawn to him because he would marry Christian couples and aided Christians who were being persecuted by Claudius.  These were considered very serious crimes.  During his imprisonment, Valentine attempted to see Claudius convert to Jesus.  His attempts enraged Claudius and Valentine was sentenced to death.  Valentine was given the opportunity to renounce his faith and thereby avoid being beaten and beheaded.  Valentine refused this offer and was executed on February 14.  Though the date of his execution is debated, it occurred somewhere between 269-280.

St Valentine’s valentines

   An additional story about this faithful Saint is that, while awaiting his death, he wrote notes of encouragement to the other Christian prisoners and to the members of his community. He reminded them of Jesus’ love and urged everyone to remain strong in their faith.  Legend has it that on his execution day, he even wrote a note to the girl whom he had healed and signed it, “Your Valentine.”

Modern Valentines.

   Interesting that our modern take away from the life of St Valentine is to buy and give expensive gifts for a special someone. St Valentine’s legacy might be better remembered as holding a fierce and bold faith that would not be deterred from proclaiming the love of Jesus or from caring profoundly for those who are suffering as a result of their faith.  Notes of encouragement to those who may be discouraged, visiting or writing on behalf of those imprisoned because of their convictions, and serving the needy in the community may be better ways to honor his memory.   Choosing civil disobedience, when to submit to the law would be in conflict with what it means to follow Jesus, may be costly… but doing what is right and helping others to do likewise, too, may honor the invitation that Valentine presented to those of his day.

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with opportunities to experience, show, and proclaim the love of Jesus.