In the heart of winter, people all over the western world celebrate love this weekend. A love which brings people together and is an expression of our care and concern for others. We buy flowers, make a special meal together and, this year, spend time with each other quietly. It is a time to turn to that special person in your life and give thanks for them and to them. Most of us get quite soppy on Valentine’s Day but it is an opportunity to show one another we care.
Perhaps it is also an opportunity to turn to our neighbours and think about how they might be coping, especially if they are on their own, with family isolating some place else; or perhaps your neighbour through the past year has lost their lover and partner and, for the first time, are alone with their memories. Please also remember those whose relationships are in difficulty because of tensions in the home: of home schooling, or disagreements and even anger and distrust. We know that most violence happens in the home; keep a watch out for signs of harm among your neighbours, family and friends. Be especially vigilant this weekend when a lot of people are celebrating; do you know someone who dreads the weekend?
Christians believe God is Love! Not just that God loves us, which of course is what we believe but that love is of God and is God. At the heart of our lives, people of God believe in the creative and life-giving nature of love itself. And so, celebrate that love.
The great writer Paul says in the Bible: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
A very happy Valentine’s Day!