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Can God be our valentine? Why not? Children write letters to Santa Claus. Kids leave their lost teeth underneath their pillows for the Tooth Fairy. So why shouldn't we compose a valentine for God? The answer is: it depends on our understanding of what Valentine's Day means. After all, this saint's feast has changed considerably over the years.
A Joyful Trading Among Youthful Groups
I don't know if elementary teachers still allow the swapping of these heart-shaped notes in class, but not so long ago children carried bags full of valentines to and from school on February 14. I have many fond memories of these colorful exchanges back when I was a second-grader. But given the current climate in education where a six-year-old boy who kisses a girl's hand is suspended for sexual harassment, maybe we shouldn't be surprised if passing out valentines might be labeled as some form of stalking.
A Romantic Flirtation Between Two Adults
Judging from the candy, florist and greeting card companies, we can see how the original idea behind this inclusive, jubilant children's celebration has gradually “matured” into an exclusive, come-hither allure between couples. Has the advertising industry beguiled us into an Adam and Eve enticement simply because it is financially more lucrative to solicit grownups? Has the noble valentine become commercially serpentine?
True Love
Diametrically opposed to the spiteful snake that tempted our first parents into falling, God wants to raise us up to an eternal life of happiness with him. Since love is the essence of God, he exists for one purpose only: to love. Everything God does, his creating, his forgiving, his saving, and his sanctifying, stems from love. Loving us is what God does best. And like the valentine card in the hand of a child, God's love is selfless and unconditional. God's love is not “too good to be true” but rather “too immense not to be imitated.”
Can God Be Our Valentine?
The answer is: God already is our valentine because he already loves us by wanting only what's best for us. This is the true meaning of love and it mirrors the motivation behind the first “love notes” distributed by St. Valentine himself. So perhaps the more accurate question during this month of sweets, scents and sentiments is not whether God can be our valentine, but are we willing to be God's valentine in return?
For Holy Homework:
Let's write a heartfelt note to God thanking him for his unrestricted, plentiful love and promising Him that we will imitate this colossal caring toward at least one neighbor-an office worker, family member, foreigner or friend-before the end of this Valentine month.
Comments can be sent to: FatherBobPagliari@Yahoo.com
