Daily Reflections - February 14,2013

GOD IS LOVE

 

For many, even for devout Catholics, this day is red-lettered because it is Valentine’s Day, the special day for lovers. Walking along Ayala Avenue, the iconic artery of Philippine business this day, we can see a good number of uniformed delivery boys rushing about, carrying boxes or pots of red roses, special cakes or chocolates in specially designed gift boxes that have been ordered by romantic lovers for their sweethearts.

Lent and Valentine’s Day seem to be contradictory — and disjointed. The first is religious in nature while the second seems readily a secular affair. However, let me tell you that in my personal story, Valentine’s Day is a religious date! When my group of seminarians and I, all candidates for ordination to the diaconate, were researching for an occasion to have our ordination, we decided that it would be on February 14, 1988. We had Bishop Gabriel Reyes, now the Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Antipolo, then one of the Auxiliary Bishops of Manila, as our ordaining prelate. That makes this day, Valentine’s Day of 2013, my silver anniversary in my ordination as a deacon.

Jesus says, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” In the Divine Mind that created everything in this world, there is no divide between the religious/spiritual and the worldly/ secular realm. Every human person lives in both dimensions, and the challenge is how to integrate both dimensions as a way of growing in grace and goodness.

As you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, make it a touching human and religious experience. For those who observe this day as a time for their romantic love: lift up your love and relationship from mere human passion to godly passion. Invite God into your romance and see what enrichment He can make out of your deep human friendship. Fr. Domie G. Guzman, SSP

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: With whom are you spending this red-lettered day? How can you make this day of love a day to honor our Greatest Love: Jesus who offered His all for us?

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me. May I be able to share Your love with the people You have placed beside me.