Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885
Valentine, Martyr at Rome, c. 269
Text
1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Reflection
Love is part of God’s nature and is one of His greatest attributes. Similar to the gospel of John we learn that God so Loved the world and he gave his one and only begotten son. Love in human nature has been spoiled by sin, but when people are born again by the work of God, they learn to love as God loves. The character of God’s love is seen in his act of giving his Son to die for those who have rebelled against him. They are worthy of death, but Jesus died to bear the judgment of sin on their behalf. This is what we have read in today’s morning prayer second reading. We live in a world where love is now a scarce commodity. People no longer love one another, wars and conflicts are all over the world and divorce cases are on the rise. Love is now difficult to sustain. What is the author of this letter saying to us today pertaining love? People cannot see God, but they can see that he lives within Christians when they practise his love. They show this most clearly when they love those who do not deserve it. Today we are celebrating Valentine who was martyred for promoting love. Let us learn how to love those who does not deserve to be loved. Loving those who are closer to us or friends is something that is easy for everyone but loving those who hate us is not easy. This is where the big test is for us as Christians. As we celebrate Valentine day let us embrace the gift of love.
Collect
Dear Lord, You who art high in the Heavens, the giver of Love and passion, He who strings every heart’s cord, lead the lovers this day, February ten plus four… the day during the month of two thousand and twenty three, greater are two souls and two hearts brought together. Some Love is fleeting, yes, but that which is built on You will never fail. So guide the Lovers to know what is to be today. Your truths the Lovers’ mouths should speak for Your truth is that which is honest to the heart. Only this, then, should pass over the red lips of the Lovers. It is all Your art oh God, the Lovers simply a medium. It is only with True Hearts that You can create Your Masterpiece within them, so let the Lovers remember that their soul’s desire is the one for which You light the fire;
and let it be You who creates the art of the Lovers; the art of two into one. Amen.
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