VALENTINE'S DAY - A DATE FOR LOVE OR MORE A DAY OF COMMERCE ?..............

The Sacred Scriptures  of the New Testament and our Catholic-Christian Faith teach us the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love.  And St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13 writes..."Faith, Hope, and Love, and the  greatest of these is, Love".  We Believe, "God Is Love", and the highest attainment of every Human is to, "Love Our Neighbor As We Love Ourselves".  Therefore, the affirmation, celebration, and observance, of Love is to be admired and emulated.  Today is St. Valentine's Day, a date focusing on affectionate and romantic love and extending the generosity of remembrance and self giving friendship in outreach to others.  Valentine cards, gifts, flowers, candy, dinners, are all traditions marking February 14th.  They are good and commendable acts of thoughtfulness.  But they are secondary non essentials to the true meaning of this annual commemoration of Human Love.  for Valentine's Day is far more than just a day for buying expensive gifts of roses, chocolates, or costly, overflowing, restaurant meals. It is the  simple, personal, thoughtfulness and affection we show in remembering our loved ones that fulfill and exemplify the Theological Virtue of Love in our Human Experience of Valentine's Day.  Do what you can realistically do to signify your Love instead of what you feel commercially pressured to give or do today.  And  with what you save in cost, if possible cook a personal meal for your loved one(s) and truly celebrate this Feast of Love by savoring the time you spend with your Valentine.(s)..............fr.tdp