Every February across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, and wannabe loved ones. It is all done in the name of St. Valentine.

 Yet every February 14 this mysterious question is asked by many people: “Who is Saint Valentine, and why do so many people in the name of love celebrate this holiday?”

Far from roses, chocolates, and greeting cards comes this highly regarded fable. During Emperor Claudius II persecutions, St Valentine, a Christian priest living in Rome, ministered to martyrs about to die for their faith.

Eventually himself arrested, Valentine received such severe beatings even his captors implored him to give up his faith. Refusing, Valentine was beheaded. He proved himself a true follower of Christ, faithfully giving his heart to the Lord

Another folktale sees Valentine as a faithful Christian who falls in love with Marcella, a beautiful young Christian. Denounced as a follower of Jesus the Nazorean, Valentine appeared before the Roman High Court and was told to give up his belief in Christ. Valentine adamantly refused. For his stubbornness, Valentine was condemned to a tortuous death.

In a letter to Marcella, he told her of his love and looked forward to spending his eternity with her. To this love letter, Valentine signed From your Valentine.

This became the well-worn phrase found on most Valentine greetings today. Although the facts of the story may be murky, the appeal left behind by this romantic figure is not!

Love is not something to squeeze into a one-day celebration. Love is dazzling enough to do every day. Didn’t Christ ask us to love one another every day? And he asks because this is exactly how Jesus spends his day: loving everyone he met.

And Christ adds: “Not just those who return our love, but everyone.” Why? Because this is exactly how Christ loves. Didn’t he turn and embrace sinners, outcasts, and the destitute? It is the courageous side of love. Seeing everyone as Christ’s valentine.

Affirming this St. Francis de Sales writes:

“It is to those who have most need of us that we ought to show love more especially. For in doing so we give greater proof of our love.”

 We can be certain that Jesus tells each person every day you are my Valentine.!