St. Valentine: A Beacon of True Love in a Misunderstood World
While the secular world often reduces this day to a mere celebration of romance, the traditional Latin calendar invites us to remember a man who exemplifies the path of true love: St. Valentine, the priest, and martyr. In a time when the nature of love, marriage, and family has become deeply misunderstood or rejected, Our Lady of Fatima’s warning about the Church’s trial rings true. As we honor this day dedicated to love, it is essential to guide our understanding of love’s nature with truth and depth. Let us reflect on the life of St. Valentine and rediscover the profound meaning of love in its purest form.
St. Valentine and His Devotion:
St. Valentine served as a priest during the third century, and while historical details about his life are limited, his devotion to the Lord remains certain. He embraced a life of celibacy, dedicating himself completely to the service of God and willing to sacrifice his life for his King. In a society that often equates love with fleeting romantic feelings, such acts of love may seem foolish. However, St. Valentine understood that true love transcends mere pleasure and self-gratification. Love is about recognizing the inherent goodness in others and genuinely desiring their well-being, even at the expense of our own.
The Nature of True Love:
True love is not self-centered but rather seeks the good of the other. It is not about personal gain or temporary emotions but is rooted in a deep understanding of what is truly good. This type of love recognizes that God is the source of all goodness and is ready to surrender our own desires and even our lives for His sake, just as He has done for us. Our Lady of Fatima exemplifies this love and calls us to embrace it. It is the love that unites a man and a woman in marriage, leading them to form a family through God’s grace. This is the love we ought to celebrate and live out on this day.
As we commemorate this day dedicated to love, let us look beyond the superficial notions of romance prevalent in society and turn our gaze to St. Valentine, a man who exemplified true love. Our Lady of Fatima’s warning about the loss of chastity and purity remains relevant in today’s world, where the understanding of love, marriage, and family has been distorted. True love seeks the good of others, rooted in the recognition of God’s goodness and His call to selflessness. Let us celebrate and live out this authentic love, emulating the examples of St. Valentine and Our Lady of Fatima. In doing so, we can restore the profound meaning and significance of love in our lives and relationships.
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