This old tree at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City is a mute witness to the declarations of love made by countless couples to each other on Valentine’s Day. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day today, the spokesman of the Archdiocese of Cebu called on people to practice the real essence of love.
“Many times people consider love as something trivial or just a game. But love is actually going beyond one’s self. Love brings out the best from the other person,” Msgr. Joseph Tan told CDN.
Like Jesus who gave up His life for mankind, he said each one should be willing to go the extra mile.
“Love requires commitment. It is actually not about oneself. It is not self-centered but is the willingness to sacrifice for the good of the beloved,” Tan said.
He also cautioned young people and those who want to have a lifetime partner not to engage in a relationship just for the sake of having one.
In loving, he said one should go beyond his or her emotions which would lead to nowhere.
“Pray over your decisions. Remember, marriage is a vocation. It requires discernment and serious reflection,” he said.
Tan reminded everyone that true love is not just about sex but also the respect each has for the other, that builds him or her up.
He said Valentine’s Day is an occasion to contemplate God’s love and to share it with others.
“This is a worthwhile celebration. In fact, this celebration should also be taken within the context of family,” Tan said.
Valentine’s Day is derived from the feast of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who performed marriages despite a law by Emperor Claudius II prohibiting it.
The emperor believed that marriage was a distraction to his soldiers. Fr. Valentine was martyred in A.D. 270.
St. Valentine became the patron of lovers and married couples.