St. Valentine and Ash Wednesday
Given the Feast Day of St. Valentine falls on Wednesday, February 14, 2018
on the solemn observance of Ash Wednesday,
it seems appropriate to ponder the true meaning of love.
As wonderful as giving and receiving roses and sweets to mark St. Valentine's Day, there is far more as Christ Himself showed us and St. Valentine modeled.
Check out Catholic All Year for the Tierney's suggestions for celebrating Valentine's Day ahead of time to observe Ash Wednesday fully!
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:12-13
Love is laying down our lives for one another, a task much more demanding than buying greeting cards and chocolates. Neither of which should be discouraged because it is wonderful to treat our loved ones to special gifts but perhaps we can take an opportunity to accompany our purchased or handmade gifts with acts of selflessness for our loved ones.
Perhaps a gift of service would be meaningful to your loved one, for example:
Do a chore • Make a meal • Spend time in a pastime or hobby • Getting up early with the little ones so your spouse can sleep in • commit time to marriage enrichment • Extra prayers are always a wonderful gift • Say a Rosary • Thank God each day for your loved one, letting them know you did! • Offering up a Mass or Holy Hour • Say a Novena for your loved one • Consider committing to pray together daily as a gift to one another.
Check out these Resources for celebrating and growing in love in your marriages, families and friendships everyday.
Formed
For Married or engaged: Beloved; Marriage: Unique for a reason
For Young Adults and Families: True Beauty; True Strength; Invited to Courageous Love; Desire of Everlasting Hills