Valentine's Day Reflection

Valentine's Day is special for those in marriages where there is a mutually enriching relationship. It is a special for couples who are dating or engaged. It is a special for dear friends. It is a day is for gifting with candy, flowers, loving cards, enjoyable times together and dinners. But some people would like to ignore Valentine's Day: recent widows and widowers, those living together who are estranged, those struggling as single mothers or fathers or anyone because of age, depression or infirmity who feels alone. How can those who are celebrating look at their celebration from another perspective? How can those who want the day to be invisible, see their lives from another perspective?

The answer is contained in God's word to us. Whoever we are, we are first loved by God at the moment of conception in our mother's womb. This love remains a constant in our lives. The truth is: God's love is our first valentine. So whether we celebrate openly or desire the day to fall off the calendar, we can all celebrate God's love on Valentine's Day. We do this by reflecting on his word to each of us individually:

"You I have chosen, my friend; I will never let you go." — Isaiah 41

"I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." —Jeremiah 31

"I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learned from my Father." — John 15

"Nothing, therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried or being persecuted. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, nor any power or height or depth, nor any created thing can come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus, our Lord." — Romans 8