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Reflect on our two vital relationships this Valentine’s Day, as it reminds us of the significance they hold

Get ready for ⁢Valentine’s ⁤Day, the‍ day of love⁤ and romance!⁤ While CNN suggests​ personalized gifts and ​fancy date nights, there’s ⁢something even ⁣more ‍meaningful we can focus on. This year, ​let’s‍ make ​Valentine’s Day⁢ about ashes. Why? Because in 2024, Valentine’s ⁢Day falls‌ on Ash‌ Wednesday, the start of Lent. Both ⁤days remind us of what truly matters: our relationship with God and with each other.

In our fast-paced⁤ lives,⁢ it’s easy to forget the⁣ deeper meaning behind everything we do. But ‍this year, ⁤the ashes of Valentine’s Day can help ⁣us slow ⁤down and ⁢reflect on what’s truly important.

On​ Ash Wednesday,‍ believers ⁢receive ashes on ⁢their foreheads ‍while ⁣hearing​ the⁢ words “Remember you are dust and⁣ to⁣ dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These ashes symbolize our mortality and the need​ for ⁣contemplation. They‌ remind us that just ​like Jesus Christ,‍ we will also ⁢face death one day. It’s⁣ a sobering reminder to live with ​intention‍ and ​purpose.

Valentine’s Day, ⁢on the other hand, is a time to evaluate our relationships, especially ​romantic ones. In this sense, it shares similarities with Ash Wednesday. One day prompts​ us to reflect on our relationship ⁣with God, while the other encourages us to prioritize our loved ones and put their needs above our own.

Although⁣ historical records mention‍ three “St. Valentines,” the most famous one was a priest⁢ in Rome who secretly married couples. The emperor at the ‍time,⁣ Claudius II, had banned marriage‍ to increase military enlistment. But⁤ Valentine defied the order and continued to unite couples‍ in⁣ matrimony. When‌ his actions were discovered, ⁤he ‍was ⁢imprisoned and eventually beheaded for ​his ​faith. Legend has it that he left ⁢a farewell ⁣note for the jailer’s daughter, signing it “From Your Valentine.”

St. Valentine protected love, and Ash Wednesday embodies love. Both remind us to ⁢make relationships⁤ the foundation‍ of our ⁤lives.

The ashes you see on foreheads this week symbolize the inevitability ‌of death, but also ⁤the triumph of God’s ⁤love over death. Valentine’s ‍Day signifies our willingness to make sacrifices for those we​ love, understanding that true love requires selflessness. Love⁣ is at its strongest when we act⁣ for the good of others, ‍even if it comes at a⁣ personal cost.

Amidst ‍the chaos of life, it’s crucial to remember our need for God⁣ and our loved ones. These two pillars of human existence and⁢ our nation’s history can easily be overlooked. This year,‌ let the ashes and Valentine’s Day celebrations go beyond the surface and guide us towards⁤ the truth of who ⁢we are and how we should live and love.


Thomas Griffin ⁢teaches in ​the Religion Department at a Catholic high school and ‌resides on Long Island with his wife and son. He holds a master’s degree‌ in ‍theology and is currently pursuing a master’s in philosophy. Follow his latest content ⁣at⁣ EmptyTombProject.org

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How did⁤ Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men during the third‌ century influence the actions of Valentine?

‌ Rome during the third century. Emperor‌ Claudius II had banned marriage for young men, believing that single⁣ men​ made better soldiers. However, Valentine ‌defied this‌ order and continued to perform marriages in ⁢secret. When his actions were discovered, he ⁤was imprisoned ⁢and eventually executed on February 14th. Valentine became a⁢ martyr for love, and his actions⁣ inspired the celebration of love ​and affection⁣ on this day.

So,⁤ how ⁣can we ⁤bring together the themes of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day? By ‍taking the time to reflect on‍ our ⁣relationships and their importance‌ in our lives. Whether it’s our relationship with⁤ God or our relationships with loved ones, both require dedication, sacrifice, and love.

This Valentine’s Day, instead of focusing solely​ on material gifts and extravagant gestures, let’s take a⁤ moment ⁢to express our love‌ and ⁣gratitude to those⁣ who matter most to us. It ‍could‍ be‍ a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten letter, or a simple act of kindness. By showing ​our appreciation⁤ and being present with those ​we care about, we can strengthen‍ our bond and make this day truly meaningful.

Furthermore, ⁢let’s use Ash Wednesday as a reminder⁤ to evaluate ⁣our relationship with God. Lent, the ⁤period of forty days leading up to Easter, is a time for ⁢self-reflection,⁢ repentance,⁣ and spiritual growth. By incorporating these practices⁣ into ⁤our lives⁤ during Lent, we ‌can ‍deepen our connection with God and⁣ nurture ⁤our faith.

Valentine’s Day⁣ and ⁣Ash Wednesday may ‌seem like an unlikely combination, but they both encourage us to⁢ pause, reflect,‌ and appreciate the relationships in our ​lives. Whether it’s ⁣through ⁣the ‌symbolic ashes on our foreheads or the ⁢heartfelt gestures we make ⁢towards our loved⁢ ones, let’s make this Valentine’s Day a day of⁤ love, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.

So, this Valentine’s Day, let’s go beyond ​the traditional celebrations and embrace a ​different kind of love. Let’s cherish our loved ones and‌ strengthen our relationship⁤ with God. ​By doing so, we can truly embrace the spirit of Valentine’s⁢ Day and make⁤ it a day of love, not just for​ one another, but also for⁤ our spirituality and ⁤our purpose in ‌this world.



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