Have you heard of Lupercalia, a pagan celebration?
It was born before Jesus and spread across the Roman nation.
Throughout the Roman empire was a party for fertility.
Goats and dogs were sacrificed, not seen as incivility.
They honored Remus and Romulus, the early Roman king,
as well as their god Faunus – who unlike Cupid, had no wings.
Centuries later, it had gone too far and the feast could not be mended.
So, Pope Gelasius wrote a law and the ritual was ended.
That started two millennia ago and the practices are dead.
But they led to our St. Valentines Day and the color is still red.
Nobody really knows for sure who St. Valentine might be.
But history tells us, and we know, there have been no less than three.
One was killed by Claudius for helping couples their vows exchange.
Another was persecuted for healings and conversions he arranged.
The last was down in Africa and of him we have no relief.
All we know was that he died and was martyred for belief.
Whichever Saint was the true, we will never hear.
But it was actions, not words alone that made the day so dear.
Chaucer shaped the event we know and turned it to romance play.
He wrote of birds who find their mate on “seynt Valentynes day.”
Now with cards, wine, and roses that offer sweet perfume
we pray among the trappings, love will always bloom.
But I think Saint Valentine hit the mark with love that’s shown in action.
And what we do, not what we give, should bring greatest satisfaction.
It is showing up and staying true even when in doubt,
that shows pure love and devotion and proves a heart devout.
Cards and words affirm the soul and offer lovers melody.
But it’s the things we do, not the things we say that give our lives fidelity.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Blessings-
