Many commercial traders consider February to be the month in which we celebrate romantic love – although records show that the story of the real St Valentine have little to do with the chocolates, flowers and soppy greetings cards we are encouraged to buy.
St Valentine lived in the third century, and as well as romantic love, is also patron saint of epilepsy, beekeepers, and the Italian town of Terni. He was a priest who ministered to persecuted Christians and was martyred and buried on February 14 269CE. He is thought to have restored the sight of the daughter of Judge Asterius in Rome. Later, just prior to his execution, he wrote to Asterius’ daughter, signing the note “from your Valentine”. Hence the practice of signing contemporary declarations of love “Valentine” rather than using one’s own name.
We would do well to remember that love is a multi-faceted emotion, with many colours and hues. When Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-25), he actually used three different words, which roughly translate as “friend”, “brother” and “worship”, or “serve”.
The hymn “Love is the touch of intangible joy” is a 1998 collaboration between Alison Robertson and John Bell. They explore the variety of ways in which love is experienced, always coming back to the assertion that “God is where love is, for love is of God”:
- Love is the touch of intangible joy; love is the force that no fear can destroy; love is the goodness we gladly applaud: God is where love is for love is of God.
- Love is the lilt in a lingering voice; love is the hope that can make us rejoice; love is the cure for the frightened and flawed: God is where love is for love is of God.
- Love is the light in a tunnel of pain; love is the will to be whole once again; love is the trust of a friend on the road: God is where love is for love is of God.
- Love is the Maker and Spirit and Son; love is the kingdom their will has begun; love is the path which the saints all have trod: God is where love is, for love is of God.
You can listen to a recording here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_OFNjLIcKo
Love is hope, love is trust, love is faith, love is care, love is friendship, delight, devotion, adoration, worship, enjoyment, warmth, endearment, yearning, desire, adulation, compassion, regards, concern, kindness, charity, goodwill, sympathy, benevolence, brotherliness, sisterliness, unselfishness.
Whilst browsing supermarket Valentine’s cards and gifts this month, let’s also consider how we can show all facets of love in our daily Christian lives.
Carol P
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 