Was Valentine’s Day Pre-Ordained?

Let’s pretend that the gentleman featured on the front of this card was given a nomenclature, that is, a system for giving names to things within a particular profession or field. The name this gentleman was known by was Valentine of Rome. His initial particular profession was that he lived under the rule of the Roman Empire and the dictates of Emperor Claudius II and false pagan gods. However, if you examine the image closely you will ascertain that Mr. Valentine of Rome disputed that assessment and clandestinely places his hand over his heart to indicate that that chamber rules him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And it was in that field of thought he later became a priest under the Catholic Order of faith.

After the short lived life of Mr. Valentine of Rome, antiquity records his persona as a saintly man who aided and abetted persecuted Christians that lived under the rule of the Roman Empire; as an advocate of teaching, preaching and endorsing agape love which demonstrated the highest form of a fatherly love of God for all human beings. This form of teaching was in contrast to what his pagan government taught and lived by. It transcended the norms of promoting erotic love, philia, promiscuous or eros love which paganism endorsed.

Saint Valentine of Rome was Canonized by the Catholic Church in the 5th Century A.D….

It goes without saying, the antics of Cleric Valentine of Rome far surpassed the lifestyle of his fellow countrymen. The feats of Father Valentine of Rome irked Emperor Claudius II and it landed this mortal man in prison. Legend has it that the Emperor, who viewed himself as a god, was impressed with Valentine’s fetes and agreed to release him from prison if only he would convert to Roman paganism, but Valentine refused to save himself. Rather, he attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. That invitation was not heeded. But while awaiting execution in prison, SaintValentine performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his Jailer. This miracle alone caused the Jailer, his healed daughter, the Jailer’s servants and 46 additional family members of his household to believe in Jesus Christ and they all were baptized.

The birth of celebrating St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th every year…

Sometime during the 4th Century on February 14, Saint Valentine was executed. Antiquity records that Julia, the daughter of the Jailer, planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave…an agape demonstration of love. Today, in some countries, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. Another embellishment suggests that during his priestly duties, Saint Valentine performed clandestine Christian weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry by the Emperor Claudius II. Also, according to legend, in order to remind these men of their vows and God’s love, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment paper, wrote encouraging notes on them and gave them to these soldiers and persecuted Christians, as a possible origin of the widespread use of hearts and valentine cards sent on St. Valentine’s Day.

Today we have an extra Valentine’s Day treat for you!

My prayer for you…

Thank you Lord for creating ways to incorporate eternal meaning into nomenclatures. The name Valentine is such a befitting name to apply to a human who displayed love and unabashed protection for his fellow human beings. It truly was ordained by You that Saint Valentine’s name be canonized as an example to show generations to come how to demonstrate enthusiasm, undying energy and love to their fellow man.

We earnestly pray that our life’s contributions towards society will bring honor, glory, respect and lasting reverence to your Name. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.” Psalm 73:28

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from the Master’s servant manager…ME!