“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God“. – Ephesians 3:17-19 

Dear Friends:

Today, the theme for the day in Epiphany’s Preschool chapel was: love. Jesus observes a woman in the temple. She humbly maneuvers her way among the “many rich people” to the collection box, where she drops two meager coins in as her offering to God. Jesus proclaims that the woman has given more with her tiny offering than all the rich people blatantly dropping money in the offering. Generosity, sacrifice, humility, these are the characteristics of love. With the preschool, the children come dressed for Valentine’s Day celebrations, and they are adorable. They party and trade tiny gifts of affection, make Valentine crowns and cards and have a glorious day. Valentine’s Day has clearly traveled a different road over the centuries. With over half of Americans giving and receiving, this year the gift giving for Valentine’s day will top nearly two billion dollars. Valentine’s Day has become a rich enterprise with some question as to how much the holy day is about love. 

Valentine’s Day is a day of remembering St. Valentine who, around the third century sacrificed his life helping Christian couples know true love. In the Roman Empire at the time polygamy was the popular practice of the day. Newly formed Christians recognizing the value of life and relationships chose instead to practice monogamy in their marriages. Valentine, a faithful and dedicated priest in the church, defied Roman rule and officiated over these young Christian marriages. Brought before at least one judge, whose name was Asterius, Valentine was found to be guilty of defying Emperor Claudius who would have nothing to do with such insurrection. He sentenced Valentine to a brutal execution. It appears that the last words Valentine wrote were in a note (perhaps a love note) to Asterius’ daughter which he signed affectionately, “from your Valentine.” Hence today millions across the globe receive these same affectionate words perhaps generated from deep pain and suffering but intended for love.

Another great saint who strives for us all to live in love is our own Presiding Bishop the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry. Bishop Curry travels throughout the world professing the Jesus movement and teaching specific practices in The Way of Love – Practices for Jesus Centered Life. Are you a podcast listener while commuting back and forth to work? Plug into The Way of Love and learn from Bishop Curry as he sets our hearts on fire with The Way of Love: https://wayoflove.episcopalchurch.org/episodes/season/1/episode/1 

Practicing The Way of Love involves disciplines and routines that shape our lives and strengthen our relationship with God. Try this practice with a group, because we’re better together, or our own personal devotional. Following each episode give some time for reflection. Then, give thanks as we prayerfully reflect upon Bishop Curry’s words, “The way of Jesus is the Way of Love, and the Way of Love can change the world.” In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m grateful to know the love of each of you! 

See you Sunday, good friends. Gwynn will share with us some well-prepared words as she preaches. The final youth Confirmation class for this season will gather following worship with Ryan Hale. His teaching on comparative religions is outstanding. Parent Support Group meets from 5:30-7:00 as they gather around an informal potluck meal and give thanks that they can share the woes and celebrations of parenting. Babysitting is provided. Then, mark your calendars for February 23rd! We’ll celebrate “Better Together” a taste and see of all Epiphany has to offer to invite you to use your gifts in knowing God’s kingdom of love.

Many blessings dear ones,

Hillary