The customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day come from various sources and intertwine nicely. For example, besides being St. Valentine's Day, it was believed that half way through the month of February is the time when birds choose their mates. The color red is the color of martyrs, and is also associated with love. In Greek mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, and is portrayed as a small cherub who shoots love, represented by arrows, into people's hearts.
Interestingly, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is often shown with the wound from the soldier's sword that pierced it and the Immaculate Heart of Mary is often illustrated with the sword(s) of her "seven sorrows" piercing her heart, fulfilling Simeon's prophesy, "Thine own soul, a sword shall pierce."
For Catholics, Saint Valentine's Day should not be a mere "Hallmark Holiday" but a time to reflect on the great love that Christ has for us and the many gifts He has given us. How can we give back?
During the upcoming Lenten season, use the Church's recommendation for fasting, prayer and almsgiving to give back to Jesus, who loves you so much.
Hat tip to Fish Eaters for the wealth of info on Saint Valentine's Day.
2 comments:
Happy Valentine's Day!
My name is Father Joe Jenkins and I am a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. I have made a link on my page to your Blog. Any possibility that you could do the same on your site?
Here is my address:
http://fatherjoe.wordpress.com/
God bless you all and keep on standing up for the sanctity of life!
Peace,
Father Joe
Thank you, Fr. Joe. You are on my list of links now.
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