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February is a rather dreary month, which most likely contributes to the attention given to Valentine’s day. As a celebration of romantic love, Valentine’s Day in February leaves something to be desired. February is generally chilly and damp—not ideal for romantic walks and picnics! Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day in February? And is it only about romantic love? A very brief look at ancient history will help us understand a bit how we got here.
St. Valentine was a priest or bishop who lived in Italy in the third century. He is known for his efforts to evangelize folks in the Roman Empire and his ministry to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman government. While visiting Rome, he was arrested for his evangelizing, tortured, and executed. According to our sources, Valentine died on February 14.
If we return to Valentine’s Day, 2025, we have a couple of things to consider. While the focus of modern Valentine’s Day (and even in history) has been on romantic love, St. Valentine himself is remembered for the agape God-love that he manifested to believers and nonbelievers alike. Both romantic love and agape love have value, but it is easy to argue that agape love is the more significant and eternal. The good news is that we can pursue and exercise our “love muscles” in both directions, taking time to love a special someone in a special way even as we pursue loving others as Christ loves them.
The calendar position of Valentine’s Day need not be disappointing or frustrating. It can be an invitation to recognize that all forms of love are from God and go beyond circumstances. Love is not confined to warm, sunny days. We can love in all circumstances, all weather. May we know the joy of the Lord as we do so.
