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
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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