How great is our God (in our lives)?

The word epiphany is defined as ‘a moment of sudden and great revelation’. What is this great revelation that we celebrate in this season? As we come to the close of this season of Epiphany, this week’s readings invite us to examine the greatness of God in our hearts, mind and the corresponding outworking of our lives.

Will You Be My Valentine?

In the 3rd Century CE, Saint Valentine was a priest of Rome who came from the town of Umbria, in central Italy. Legend has it that while under house arrest of Judge Asterius, Valentine talked with him about Jesus. The judge put Valentine to the test and brought to him his blind adopted daughter for healing. God healed the girl and after destroying all the idols in his house, the judge, together with his entire his family and servants, were all baptised. Valentine was later arrested again for continuing to evangelize and was sent to the emperor Claudius II himself. He tried to convince Claudius to follow Jesus. Instead, the emperor refused and challenged Valentine to either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs and beheaded. Valentine refused and was executed for Christ outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269, Valentine’s Day.

Valentine, much like many other Christians throughout Church history, was unwavering in his faith and love for Christ, no matter the cost or sacrifice. What would it mean for us, and how would we respond if Our Lord Himself asked you and me today to be His Valentine?

This week we focus on loving Christ by bearing his image, carrying his heart, walking by the Spirit and living in the tension between what we see and what God says.