A Word From the Pastor
Rev. L. David Mortenson, Senior Pastor
"Happy February. The month of love. St. Valentine was a third century Roman Catholic priest and bishop. Not much is known about him, but one common story about St. Valentine is that in one point of his life, as the former Bishop of Terni, Narnia and Amelia, he was on house arrest with Judge Asterius. While discussing religion and faith with the Judge, Valentine pledged the validity of Jesus. The judge immediately put Valentine and his faith to the test.
St. Valentine was presented with the judge's blind daughter and told to restore her sight. If he succeeded, the judge vowed to do anything for Valentine. Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored the child's vision.
The story tells that St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes. A
relationship between the saint and emperor began to grow, until Valentine attempted to convince Claudius of Christianity. Claudius became raged and sentenced Valentine to death, commanding him to renounce his faith or be beaten with clubs and beheaded. St. Valentine refused to renounce his faith and Christianity and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269.
Although the exact origin of the holiday is not widely agreed upon, it is widely recognized as a day for love, devotion and romance. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
"What Valentine means to me as a priest," explains Father O'Gara, "is that there comes a time where you have to lay your life upon the line for what you believe. And with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do that —even to the point of death."
That is what Jesus was talking about when He said in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
Jesus gave His life for us, showing the greatest love of all. Dying so that we may live. When you take your loved one out for dinner, or buy them a gift, remember the ultimate gift of love was given 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
God bless and have a happy Valentine's Day.
Pastor David