Valentine’s Day 2025

St. Valentine: From Martyr to Modern Day Love

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

~1 Cor. 13:4-7 ESV

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the spiritual and historical dimensions of St. Valentine, and consider how his story still resonates today. While we often think of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romance, its origins are rooted in the life of a man who exemplified faith, love, and sacrifice.

The Historical Context

St. Valentine was a third-century Roman saint who was martyred for his faith. According to tradition, he was a priest who performed weddings for Christian couples at a time when Christians were persecuted. This act of defiance against the Roman authorities was not only courageous but also deeply compassionate. Valentine’s commitment to the sanctity of marriage and his unwavering faith are the reasons he is remembered today.

The Spiritual Dimensions

At its core, St. Valentine’s story is about love— a love that goes beyond the romantic. It’s about agape, the selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for us. This Valentine’s Day, we can take a moment to appreciate this kind of love in our lives—the love that gives without expecting anything in return, the love that stands firm in the face of adversity.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a celebration of romantic love, marked by the exchange of gifts and affectionate gestures. While these traditions are delightful, we can also use this day to reflect on deeper meanings. How can we embody the selfless love that St. Valentine exemplified? How can we show love to those around us in ways that go beyond the material?

Conclusion

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s honor the legacy of St. Valentine by embracing the true essence of love. Let’s remember that love is not just about grand gestures, but also about the quiet acts of kindness, the sacrifices we make, and the faith we hold. May this day be a reminder of the profound love that we are called to share with the world, inspired by the life and legacy of St. Valentine.