A Day of Love

In the American cultural experience today is Valentine’s Day. Thought to be a celebration of a saint, if we’re honest, is just another secular holiday excuse to boost the economy of florists and candy manufacturers. It isn’t really about love.

Brethren, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard.  Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.  He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still.  He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling.  But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.  I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake.  I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.  I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.  I write to you, children, because you know the Father.  I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.  I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.  Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.

1^st John 2.2-17

Nothing makes my point better than today’s reading from the Epistle of Saint John the Theologian, who also wrote the Gospel According to John. Consider the ‘expressions of love’ today and ask yourself what spending on candy and flowers has to do with a Saint?

Before you ‘click away’ from today’s blog. Hear me out. I’m not saying it is bad to spend a day reminding the important people in your life that you love them. Reminding people of love is always important. Every day should be a day of love, not just by spending but with actions.

Love is praying for each other. Love is serving each other. Love is leading each other to God. Love is being a safe place for expressing fear about tomorrow. Love is forgiving those who wrong us. These are actions that require more than just a credit card to express.

So, start Valentine’s Day off with actions of love. Pray, serve, lead, and be expressions of love today. Call someone who has wronged you and say, “I love you. I forgive you.” Then, by all means, enjoy some candy and go on a ‘date night’ with your love. That’s ok too.