The feast of February 14 was first commemorated in 496 by Pope Gelasius I to honor the Christian martyr Valentine. Various Christian histories state that Saint Valentine was a priest in Rome, a Bishop of the ancient city of Terni, or a martyr in the province of Africa.

The Nuremburg Chronicle of 1493 presents Saint Valentine as a Roman Priest who was caught administering the sacrament of marriage at a time when Christianity was illegal. Other traditions associate Valentine as a man whose love of Christ was exemplary in times of unparalled suffering and turmoil. Whoever Saint Valentine was, his legacy of devotion and love has been celebrated throughout the ages.

As I read and reflected upon the story of Saint Valentine, I thought of the Apostle Paul's words in I Corinthians 9:23-27. In this passage, Paul reminds us to run the race to win ... to be wholly devoted and committed to the calling that God has placed upon our lives, and to push ourselves to previously unknown heights.

I hope and pray that as we leave Saint Valentine's Day in our rearview mirror, that we would all commit ourselves with the same devotion and drive to excellence that fueled the saints, apostles and martyrs.

If you're looking for some fuel for the soul, a bit of encouragement, or some inspiration, drop by First United Methodist Church of Brownsboro. We gather Sunday mornings at 11.