Valentine’s Day, Is It Really For Lovers ?
By Norbert Fidelis
All over the world , Feb .14th is a day many people, especially the young ones look up to. It’s a day to celebrate love , while others see it as an opportunity to express and propose their love to each other . Though it’s not a public holiday in any country, but the paraphernalia associated with it makes it look like one. Couples renew their love vow to each other, while lovers hold hands and enjoy themselves .
However, St. Valentine was actually a Catholic Priest, who was born in Terni , Italy, in the Third Century. He was converting pagans to Christians, and also ministering to persecuted Christians, to keep faith alive . The highpoint of his ministry, was the wedding of lovers and Christian Soldiers, which was outlawed and forbidden at that time.This does not go down well with Emperor Claudius II , who was then the ruler of the Roman Empire , and always wanted himself to be glorified and worshiped . So out of jealousy , he ordered Valentine to be arrested , imprisoned , and executed . While in prison , St. Valentine won a lot of souls, by ministering to them, and also performed miracles. Infact, it is widely believed that he restored back the eye sight of his jailers daughter .
He was finally executed on 14th February . Before he died, he wrote a short message to his jailers daughter , whom he had earlier restored back her sight , saying , To My Valentine .
This is the story of the man we are all celebrating today. He was executed because he was wedding lovers and wining souls for Christ. He was committed , and never gave up. Even at the point of death, he still continued his good work. However, the pomp and paegantry associated with the celebration today, makes it look ostentatious. In America for instance, an estimated $22 billion was spent on Valentine’s Day in 2022. This includes printing of Val cards, decorations, travelling by some couples, cinemas and spendings in restaurants .Imagine if this whole money was spent on humanity ?. Also, a lot of vices is associated with the celebration today, which contradicts the true meaning and celebration of Valentine . This certainly calls for action .
As we celebrate another Valentine’s Day , remember that friend of yours, who always come to you for help , remember that family who don’t have enough to eat and wear, look around you and show some act of kindness. Are you a top government official?
Stop seeing yourself as a boss man, and start seeing yourself as a leader. Appreciate those working for you and always give them words of kindness and encouragement. For those of us who also want to celebrate Val with the less privileged, it’s a welcome idea. The world would have been an enjoyable place, if we complement each other, that’s why God made some people rich and wealthy. Stop saying I work and labour for my money, others are also working and toiling day and night to eke out a living.
So as you go out today with your loved ones, get a piece of chicken or burger for that family who don’t have enough, get some beverage drink and rice , for that your neighbour or friend who can’t afford it ,or better still, you can take them along, to enjoy and catch the groove . Happy Valentine’s Day.
