What does love have to do with Black History, "Make a Friend Day," "Random Acts of Kindness Day," Presidents' Day...
All these are part of February's calendar for those living in the US.
But in the center of the month? A day devoted to love: Saint Valentine's Day.
In some sense, you could say that love is a common thread running through all the other celebrations in the month.
But is this special day of love just the creation of marketers wanting to sell us candy, cards and candles?
No, there is a back story of Valentine's Day in the Christian tradition that speaks not only of friendship (philia) and romantic (eros) love, but also sacrificial (agape) love.
You can go here to read how Saint Valentine might tell this tale of love.
Love. On this feast day of Saint Valentine when so many are gripped by fear, I am hearing the scripture remind us that "perfect love casts out fear."
In a season when hate seems so prevalent and pervasive, when one hateful remark hurled is quickly responded to with equal or greater hateful words and actions, let's remember the wisdom of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.,: "hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
And like Dr. King, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
Now, the meaning of love, in the English language, is all about context. Since we only have just one word, we use it for multiple purposes: "I love pizza, baseball, a book, a sibling, parents and my spouse!"
In contrast, the ancient Greek language has four words for love: philia, storge, agape and eros. Valentine's Day has focused primarily on the eros/romantic love.
But don't let societal norms restrict or limit your expression of love on this Valentine's Day (and every day!) Remember, the rich tradition of this day speaks of all these loves.
Here are five possible ways you could express love this Valentine's Day.
1. a random act of kindness to someone you do not know;
2. a phone call, letter, or email to a long-time deeply treasured friend you've known for years;
3. a kiss, a romantic embrace -- a "Song of Solomon" moment with your lover;
4. resist being overwhelmed with evil you see by overcoming that evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
5. pray for your enemy or someone who seeks to harm you. (Matthew 5:44)
Maybe doing all five is not possible today. Then do one or two or three. But do some tangible work of love today.
Because "the proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist." (attributed to Pope St. Gregory the Great)
In a homily on John 14:23-27, St. Gregory preached: "God's love is never idle. Where it exists, it does great things; if it refuses to work, it is not love."
Divine Love is never idle. You are loved.