Wednesday, February 13, 2002
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Wednesday, February 13, 2002 |
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St. Valentine understood what love was all about By REV JOHN HATCHER For the most part, we Protestants and whatever have the Catholics to thank for Valentine's Day, so it seems. It goes like this: In 270 A.D. Emperor Claudius issued an edict forbidding marriage because he believed married men made poor soldiers, not wanting to leave their families to go to battle. Valentine, bishop of Interamna, disagreed with the emperor and invited young lovers to come to him in secret to be married. When Claudius found that Valentine was performing secret marriage ceremonies, he was incensed. He had Valentine arrested and brought before him. When Valentine refused to change his views and renounce Christianity, he was put in prison to await execution. In February of 270, Valentine was clubbed, stoned, and then beheaded. Tradition tells that while Valentine was in prison he corresponded with those under his care by sending little letters and love notes to those in his parish. It is also believed that while he was in prison the bishop fell in love with the blind daughter of the jailer, Asterius, and that God enabled him to miraculously restore her sight. Tradition tells us that his farewell message to her contained a closing that transcended time: "From Your Valentine." I think it's very interesting that Valentine's Day had its origins with a celibate Catholic priest who upheld the sanctity of Christian marriage even under threat from the Roman emperor. I think it is even more interesting that Valentine's Day these days has little to do with the inviolate nature of Christian marriage. In fact, Valentines Day has taken a worldly turn toward the blatant commercial aspect: flowers, expensive candy, Hallmark cards, champagne, and often a costly dining out event. It's purely pagan! When was the last time you attended a St. Valentines Service? Thanksgiving Service, yes. Christmas Service, yes. New Year Eve's Service, yes. Good Friday, yes. Easter Service, yes. Valentine Service, no. "From your Valentine" could be from the guy you met last week in a bar. But, in reading history, "From your Valentine" goes deeper and should mean, "From one who is willing to give his or her life for you." It kinda' fits the nature of holidays. I learned several years ago that Mother's Day originated with Anna Jarvis because she wanted to honor her mother as the greatest mother in the world. Anna Jarvis, however, never married and never was a mother herself. So it is with the man who gave his name to February 14: never married, but deeply understood what love was all about. A true Valentine is someone who is willing to put his neck on the chopping block for someone he deeply and passionately believes in and loves. Are you a Valentine for at least one person? Then, demonstrate it tomorrow and everyday thereafter.
The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville. |
