Valentine Penance

February 14, 2018

Many Christians are in a quandary today. For the first time since 1945, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. So, do we eat chocolates and send those we love mushy (and hopefully sincere) cards, or do we spend the day in prayer and fasting? Even the Catholic Church seems a bit undecided about this, with some bishops saying that Catholic teaching doesn’t allow a pass for such events, and others declaring that indeed, faithful Catholics can multi-task. Of course, the entire dilemma is in one sense, a fabrication by the greeting card, candy, and fashion industry, since Valentine’s Day wasn’t always an advertising and money-making affair. 

If we look at tradition alone, Ash Wednesday must get the nod, having a far longer history than our American celebrations of Valentine’s Day. Add to this the fact that Valentine himself was a Christian saint and martyr, and it seems the Church has a pretty strong claim to the day, not that it will deter those who are more interested in Madison Avenue. Of course, those of the “free” church traditions which eschew anything Catholic, have no problem in singing the praises of romantic love.

Every Wednesday, there is a Bible study at the Dunkirk church where I serve, followed by a lunch prepared by one or another of those who attend. As we were cleaning up from lunch, one of the women said that she sees it as God’s Valentine, telling the world that he loves us. Lent is the preparation for Good Friday and Easter, the one our remembrance of God’s gift of love in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross; the other our celebration of his victory over sin and death in the resurrection. Today, we are at the starting gate; Easter is the finish line, so perhaps this woman’s assessment is worth consideration. Christ’s sacrifice for us is God’s proof of his love for us (Romans 5:8), and for that, on this solemn day, I give thanks.