Valentine's Day, now a multi-billion dollar retail boon, has its origins in England when mating birds in mid-February motivated people to celebrate the gift of love during a dreary part of winter. St. Valentine's name was attached to the ensuing celebrations because as a priest during the persecution of the emperor Claudius II, he married people who were forbidden to marry and assisted Christians as they were preparing to be slaughtered, which later happened to him.
The sacrifice of Jesus, his healing of the deaf mute in today's gospel, and the work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius among the Slavic peoples of Europe show how far love can be extended, the love that signifies laying down one's life for another.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Bro. Rene
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