From Your Valentine

Valentine's Day has become a huge commercial hit in the United States, when just days after Christmas, stores are adorned with familar red hearts, candyboxes and cards galore. Florists thrive and even our sagging postal service receives a boost. Most of us will make an effort throughout the day to wish a "Happy Valentine's Day" to those whom we meet, and make an effort to be especially kind and loving. So, there are benefits to all.
But, the story of St. Valentine has a deeper level than most of us are aware of. St. Valentine was a priest in the Roman Empire under the Emperor Claudius II. Legend has it that Claudius promulgated a law preventing soldiers from marrying, with the thought that married men fight with less valor, hoping not to be killed and leave their wives widowed. This law led to cohabitation and in some instances, polygamy, both contrary to the Christian belief in the sanctity of marriage with one partner for life. Father Valentine secretly would marry these young military men and for this he was imprisoned, totured and eventually killed. A note from him to one of these young couples was signed, "From your Valentine", and over the years has found an honored place on our Valentine cards. St. Valentine was seen as a champion of "true love", especially in in Chaucer's England. His firm belief in the sanctity of marriage and his willingness to give his life for it. are needed into today's society where marriage has become so casual and infrequent. St. Valentine, pray for us.
Bro. Rene