Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day

Genesis, Chapter 19, Verse 30

Since Lot was AFRAID to stay in Zoar, he and his two daughters went up from Zoar and settled in the hill country, where he lived with his two daughters in a cave.

We cannot soar if we are afraid of Zoar. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Philippians 4:13) Our fears can, at times, be like a handicap. Fears can either immobilize us or if we are up to the challenge, they can propel us to greater heights. Are we going to be like Lot afraid to Zoar or more like a Helen Keller[1] or Tom Dempsey? Dempsey set a 43-year NFL record for the longest field goal yet he was born with no right fingers and half a right foot.

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God. (Helen Keller)

Valentine's Day[2]

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and friendship. The holiday derived its name from two Roman martyrs for love, both named Valentine. The first Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, but not before leaving a note signed from your Valentine for his lady. The second Valentine was supposedly a bishop who secretly married young couples, an act that was forbidden by the Roman Emperor who wanted young men to first serve as soldiers before marrying. Valentine ignored the law and was beheaded on February 14. An ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, a celebration for which young men randomly chose the name of a young girl to escort to the festivities, has also been linked to the origins of Valentine's Day.

Since then, the custom of selecting a sweetheart on February 14th has spread through Europe and its colonies and transformed itself into the celebration of love and friendship that we know today.

Valentine's Day Facts & Quotes

· Symbols for Valentine’s Day include hearts, chocolate, flowers, and Cupid - the Roman God of Love.

· 52% of US consumers will send out at least 1 Valentine's Day card, 47% will send candy, and 34% will send flowers.

· Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore, is winged Cupid painted blind. - William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Valentine's Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.

· Go to a special romantic dinner with your sweetheart. Tip: Book early as this is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.

· Watch the movie Valentine's Day (2010) or the Notebook (2004). Both are romance movies with star casts.

· Send a Secret Valentine to someone several days before, and then reveal your identity on February 14th.

· Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.

Catholic Things to Do[3]

· Read the Golden Legend account of St. Valentine's life.

· Pray to St. Valentine for an increase of true, sacrificial love within marriages.

· Make Valentines for those closest to you — your family and friends. If you have children, teach them to make valentines from red construction paper and doilies.

· Begin to read and discuss some of St. John Paul II's works on marriage; for example, Love and Responsibility or his The Theology of the Body Human Love in the Divine Plan (Parish Resources).

Random Act of Kindness[4]

For those that value kindness, Random Acts of Kindness Week encourages people out there to be loud about how easy it is to give to others. This holiday centers around making kindness a standard for others to follow to make society a better place to live in.

This week is all about showing appreciation for those around you, seeing others in need and taking action, and instilling kindness in today’s youth so the future can look a little brighter.

History of Random Acts of Kindness Week

· Officially started through the Random Acts of Kindness organization, this holiday lets people give back to others through random acts, whether that be taking a trip to Africa to feed the poor, show support for cancer patients, or helping someone on the road fix their flat tires.

· RAK, a non-profit organization, located in Denver, Colorado, consists of a small team that works hard to inspire others. RAK offers resources for those wishing to participate during the week, including school programs, calendars, videos, and training materials.

· According to RAK’s website, the whole week is dedicated to these acts of kindness, while the highlight of their celebrations occurs on Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is where all those acts of kindness become louder than ever.

· Those wishing to take part in the celebration can become activists and educators, those who lead by example and teach others about kindness, hoping to inspire others to do the same and make society a better place to live in.

· Becoming an activist means building trust, focusing their efforts on kindness strategies and creating environments for growth and nurturing the future of selfless acts.

How to Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week

· If you’re looking for a great way to participate in this week, RAK has plenty of resources for you to get started on a journey towards a more humanitarian lifestyle.

· Read up on some of the success stories they have to inspire you. Take advantage of their K-8 curriculum if you’re a teacher at your local school. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter or food drive in your community.

· Become a RAK activist by signing up on their website and share your experiences with giving kindness on social media using the hashtag #RandomActofKindnessWeek. Encourage your friends and family to give back in their way and inspire others with acts of kindness.

Donate a grocery store gift card to a store to pay for widows and orphans who don’t have enough money and have to remove items from their ring up; provided they remove the booze first.

Drops of Christ’s Blood[5] St. Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, with St. Matilda and St. Bridget, wishing to know something of the Passion of Jesus Christ, offered fervent and special prayers. Upon which Our Lord revealed to them:

To all the faithful who shall recite for 3 years, each day, 2 Our Fathers, 2 Hail Mary’s and 2 Glory Be’s in honor of the drops of Blood I lost, I will concede the following 5 graces:

1. The plenary indulgence and remittance of your sins.

2. You will be free from the pains of Purgatory.

3. If you should die before completing the said 3 years, for you it will be the same as if you had completed them.

4. It will be upon your death the same as if you had shed all your blood for the Holy Faith.

5. I will descend from Heaven to take your soul and that of your relatives, until the fourth generation.

Blessed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII in Rome, April 5, 1890

The thought of saving souls should always be on our mind. St. John Bosco stated it well. "There is nothing more holy in this world than to work for the good of souls, for whose salvation Jesus Christ poured out the last drops of His blood." St. Vincent de Paul tells us that: "The salvation of men and our own are so great a good that they merit to be obtained at any price."

Sad to say, the great majority of Catholics put forth little or no effort in promoting the greater honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls. Let us keep in mind that if we manage to save one soul, we also ensure the salvation of our own. The Holy Ghost reveals this to us in the Holy Bible. [St. James 5: 19-20] This little practice gives us a very easy way to save our own soul as well as the ones dearest to us------our family.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Catholic Politian’s and Leaders.

· Here is a challenge: Sent a Valentine to AOC and Joe.

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary