A Valentine for Us All

Didn’t you love Valentine’s Day when you were in grade school? There was the shoe-box that you were supposed to decorate all week, but, in reality, your Mom helped you put it together the night before. There was the stuffing of notes into little envelopes and writing the names of your classmates on the outside.

I always made two extra cards because you never knew what could happen. After all, on your way to school, you might be confronted by the neighborhood bully. You could whip out that spare valentine and say, “Brutus, I made this Valentine card just for you….” Ok, as adults, you’re snickering. But as a seven-year old you thought anything was plausible, didn’t you?

Later in the day, we all passed out and received cards. For one brief moment everyone felt accepted just as they were – just like at church – all are one in Christ Jesus. And that may be our first clue that Valentine’s Day is actually a distinctly Christian holiday. Surprised?

Officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, St. Valentine is known to have been a real person. However, his or her true identity is unknown since there are over a dozen martyred saints with the name of Valentine. Because of the abundance of St. Valentines, you can choose to celebrate the saint several times each year! Besides February 14, you could also celebrate St. Valentine of Viterbo on November 3, St. Valentine of Raetia on January 7, or the only female St. Valentine (Valentina), a virgin martyred in Palestine on July 25, A.D. 308. Not to be outdone it seems, the Eastern Orthodox Church officially celebrates St. Valentine twice, once as an elder of the church on July 6 and once as a martyr on July 30. So, if you forgot Valentine’s Day, and didn’t get your sweetheart anything, in an act of desperation, you could say, “Oh, I didn’t mean this Valentine’s Day but that one, because, honey, only the best for you.” However, be warned, it may backfire if you need to back-fill all the opportunities to make up for your temporary lapse.

The Most Enduring Story

Among all the miracles and deeds of the many Valentine saints, the most enduring story is this one. Under the Roman persecution of Claudius II, a Roman named Valentine, Bishop of Terni, Narnia, and Amelia was arrested for proselytization. Questioned by the local magistrate, Judge Asterius, religion and faith played a central role in Valentine’s answers. After sharing the Gospel message, Valentine, led by the Holy Spirit, pledged to prove the validity of Jesus Christ. The judge immediately put Valentine and his faith to the test.

The judge presented his blind daughter and told Bishop Valentine that if this Jesus was really the God Creator with power and amazing mercy, then He could restore her sight. If successful, the judge vowed to do anything Valentine asked. Placing his hands on her eyes, Valentine prayed aloud so the judge and those attending could hear and witness the will of God (to heal her miraculously or not). It is said that upon completing the prayer, several tense moments passed. The child remained speechless. As she removed Valentine’s hands from her face, her vision was restored in dramatic form.

Judge Asterius was shocked and humbled. He had never seen such a miracle, but now his own daughter had been mercifully healed by this new power of Christ Jesus! As a result, Asterius broke all the idols in his home, fasted for three days, and was baptized, along with his family and household of forty-four members. He then set out to free all the prisoners under his authority who he determined to be his new brothers and sisters in Christ.

St. Valentine’s deeds continued. He was arrested again for converting people to Christianity, for aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius within the city of Rome itself, and for marrying Christian couples – all very serious crimes. In fact, Valentine’s bold works became so well known that, when arrested, he was brought before the Emperor. At that moment, a relationship between the Bishop and the Emperor began as they discussed truth and the humble faith that drove Valentine. However, when Valentine later attempted to convince Claudius of the power of Christ, the Emperor became enraged and sentenced Valentine to death if the Bishop would not renounce his faith on the spot. When Valentine refused, he was beaten and, ultimately, beheaded. His body was buried at a Christian cemetery on the Via Flaminia just north of Rome, on February 14^th. We know this because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb dedicated to St. Valentine. It is said that on the day of his execution, the Bishop left the daughter of Judge Asterius, the blind girl now healed, a note signed, “Your Valentine.”

Conclusion

In truth, Valentine’s Day is much more than a day to exchange cards or gifts with classmates or sweethearts. It is a day set aside for those who do right and who love both children and their fellow man as boldly and as deeply as Christ did in the face of the giants of condemnation and persecution. For anyone who feels intimidated or small but still finds the courage to persuade others, by deeds and words of conviction, of the reality of the Christian faith, this day is for you. And I bet you thought Valentine’s Day was just another Hallmark holiday!

This is Dr. Robert James for “A Just Republic,” reminding you that a heritage lost is an identity stolen for someone decided not to tell you who you are.

Till next time, may God and liberty bless.