Commercialism has taken over the legends attached to two saints named Valentine, but liturgically, we honor Saints. Cyril and Methodius, brothers who evangelized he Slavic people in the ninth century, while today's gospel recounts the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, a "pagan", who approached Jesus in great faith to ask a cure for her demon-possessed daughter. All three of these "major characters" show us the power of strong, persistent love. One of the Valentines was a priest during the Roman persecutions, who while imprisoned, performed marriages and healed fellow prisoners. It's not easy to move to a new country, learn a new language, and teach the gospel s did Cyril and Methodius; it takes thick skin and the strength of a mother's love, to persist in making a request of Jesus, in the face of his initial refusal. The tenacity of their love made a difference, for sure, and reminds us that the strength of our love can do the same. Along with the outward trappings of cards, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, flowers, home-made cookies or expensive diamonds, it's the love beneath that carries the power. May we remember this when we wish each other Happy Valentine's Day.
Bro .Rene
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