This Sunday is not only the first Sunday of Lent, but as many of you men better remember, it is also St Valentine’s Day. A day when people express their love for one another. Yet how did this began? The following is from the St Anthony messenger…
Each year on February 14 we peruse the store shelves for the perfect gift or card for a loved one. According to Hallmark, more than 163 million cards—not including packaged kids’ valentines—are exchanged. And it’s not just an American phenomenon. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Italy and Denmark.
But why? How did this holiday of love and romance originate and, more importantly, how did St. Valentine become involved? The answers to those questions are not easy ones. Valentine’s Day is a holiday shrouded in mystery and legend.
The origins of St. Valentine’s Day lie in the ancient Roman fertility festival Lupercalia, which was celebrated on February 15. During the festival, young women would place their names in a large urn. The young men would draw a name from the urn and then be romantically linked with that young woman for the following year. Still other legends cite the fact that February 14 marked the date when birds began mating.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to let the people in your life know how much you love and care about them. I hope and pray that you will let the one you love know of your love, not just today, but every day. And to be thoughtful about how we do this. Roses are not cheap this time of year, but so many feel they need to buy them to express their love. I was touched when I heard about a young man who bought his wife daisies for St Valentine’s day. He said to me, “She does not like roses, she likes daisies!” Knowing your spouse that well is a wonderful thing every couple should have. I myself like roses. I became more attached to them when I was on medical leave. So occasionally I will buy myself roses and dry them. I have a couple vases around the rectory with a dozen dried roses in them.

But what about our love for God? Do we remember to express that love? We may not make a heart in the snow or send flowers. God just wants us to spend time with you. Can we spend a little time today in prayer, thanking God for his great love.

Love is one of those amazing things that only increases when we give it away.

Blessings,
Fr Backer