According to the legend, Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from marrying. He believed marriage weakened soldiers. A certain Bishop Valentine, however, believed in the power of love and the institution of marriage. He bravely held secret marriage ceremonies in direct opposition to Claudius’ laws.
When the emperor learned what the bishop had done behind his back, he ordered the bishop to be arrested and imprisoned.
Once in prison, Valentine befriended his jailor, Asterius, and his beautiful daughter. Asterius’ daughter and Bishop Valentine developed a special bond. When a jailed Valentine still refused to stop hosting secret marriage ceremonies, Claudius ordered his execution.
When execution day arrived, Valentine penned a farewell message to Asterius’ daughter. He signed it, “From Your Valentine.” His execution day was Feb. 14, 270 A.D.
He sighed from the depths of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen I say to you, no sign will be given it.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore." Mark 8:12-13.
It is not in testing Jesus by seeking some magical trick or device that will solve all problems with no effort on our part. That can have the effect of driving him back into the boat and his going away to another shore. To renew your vows is to welcome the flood of grace that lets the trials and difficulties of life, of married life, become joys and blessings. As Saint James says, “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
“I, John, take you, Mary, to be my wife, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
On this Valentine’s day, let us all pray God’s blessings upon all married couples and their families, and bring peace to their homes. Amen.
