“The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host.”
Archbishop Fulton J Sheen
Let’s talk about a love story. I know that Valentine’s Day is not a fun holiday for some people. Who needs to be reminded of romance, love, and happiness when you’re not in the same place? And yes, I understand. It can be hard. My husband and I have been married for almost 5 years and he has been gone for every single Valentine’s Day of our marriage except for last year. So much for a permanent date for holidays right? (I will add that we always make a point to celebrate with each other when we are together again! Also, he had donuts delivered to me today! It was such a great surprise!).
But let me tell you why I am excited for today this year. Because I did have a date. I got to take part in the greatest love story ever! For the first time in a long time, I was able to go to mass in person and receive communion. (My family has been virtual these past few months).
How beautiful is it that Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year? After such a difficult year last year, Valentine’s Day falls on the day that Catholics go to church. We all got to take part of the greatest love story today. We all got our valentines from God. And it didn’t come packaged in anything fancy or in a red bow. It came in the form of a white Host.
I think that modern day culture has made Valentine’s Day into a day that puts pressure on people to show off how happy they are, or how great their relationships are. That can lead to negative feelings on the holiday from those that are hurting, suffering, and lonely.
Yes, love can be great! It fills your heart and your soul and is worth dedicating a holiday to celebrate it with the ones that you love. But the reality is that love is messy. Love is not just an emotion or feeling. It is a choice. It is the choice to make sacrifices for one another and put others needs before your own. It’s making difficult decisions, and enduring hardship. It means learning to forgive when you have been wronged. The greatest love story ever told is bloody, violent, and resulted in death. But in the end, sin was conquered, and love won! In spite of the mess, love is present.
Are you feeling down that you don’t have a valentine this year? Guess what, you DO have a Valentine, it is God! Not sure what to give Him? It’s easy! God is love. He’s all the love languages combined! If your love language is quality time, spend some time in prayer, silence, meditation or Eucharistic adoration. Words of affirmation? Sing songs of adoration and praises of thanksgiving! Physical touch? Receive Communion or go to confession and get absolution. Gift giving? Offer up your struggles and pain to him! Acts of service? Be the example of God’s love for others with your actions today.
Is Valentine’s Day not your holiday? You don’t feel like celebrating? God is with you in your pain and suffering. He is there no matter what. He loves us so much that he wants to be with us forever! He died for us to make that happen. He sees all our sins and despite them loves us fully for who we are- the good, bad and ugly. Love is present in spite of the mess around us.
That is why it is God’s relationship with us that is the greatest love story of all time. He made the biggest sacrifice for us. He wanted the opportunity for us to be with him in eternal life.
I got to be a part of the greatest love story of all time today when I received the Eucharist. And I am so thankful!
