A Valentine For Everyone

To the Editor:

I offer this Valentine letter on behalf of the good people of Newtown and its surrounding environs. It is mainly for those who do not receive a Valentine this year, but could really use one.

There is a story (true or apocryphal, I cannot say) about a self-acclaimed atheist making a statement to another person, “I do not believe in God nor in the one you say is his son, Jesus, the so-called Christ.” To whom the other responded: “You may not believe in him, my friend, but surely, He believes in you – and most importantly, God loves you.”

In the light of that dialogue and the feast that many people celebrate this week, consider the fact that Yahweh-God not only created all of humankind but that he desires to be their “Valentine.” (No, you will not find these words in Sacred Scripture – but the sentiment is found in every book!)

As we think about our human love-relationships and all of the mushy, gushy cards that we will exchange on this very weekend, take a moment to consider our relationship with the One who loves us and the potential depth of that love. A local deacon recently invited us to take an imaginary journey away from snowy New England to a tropical paradise where we might reflect on three different scenarios.

A person sits on the sand, basking in the sun and drinking in the awesome yet peaceful, sights and sounds; catching up on that long awaited novel; enjoying a quick dip in the surf or even riding a few waves – such a delightful image, isn’t it? In our physical world, this may be all that one desires or all that one is capable of doing. In our spiritual journey, however, we may want to eventually get off the beach and move further out into the water – to come to know Him even better.

The snorkeler – one who vaguely sees the schools and individual fish swimming below as well as the tops of plant and coral life, though only from a distance – viewed as a stranger from whom the fish shy away – considered an alien intruder into their world. While, according to a neighbor snorkeler, this allows for a closer look at the undersea and all the beauty that resides there, it still fails to satisfy. The snorkeler may fear the unknown (as most of us, undoubtedly, do) – preventing him/her from delving ever deeper. Again, an easy comparison to a spiritual relationship with Jesus – getting closer but hanging comfortably back, out of fear, ignorance, the lack of trust or, even, interest.

The scuba diver – one who is willing to take that plunge, down into the depths within the undersea environment – creatures coming ever closer and accepting him as one with themselves… allowing him to feed them, touch them/experience more of that new world in all of its spectacular beauty and rich diversity. Scuba divers, I am told, again, by a local connoisseur, are wont to dive in pairs. Such satisfies the need for preserving safety and security as well as the simple delight of sharing the experience as well as life-giving oxygen, should the need arise.

Now, consider the spiritual life (whatever tradition) – how deep do we want to go in our search… our religious experience… our relationship… with our God? And we are invited not merely as individuals into this experience, but as community. Did Jesus not send the disciples out, two by two? And is church not for the salvation of all, rich/poor, powerful/weak… For “eye has not seen and ear has not heard what God has readied for those who love Him.” Happy Valentine’s Day!

Leo McIlrath

Corpus Christi/a catholic community

Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook              February 7, 2000