The Diocese
Posted: 02/12/2025
In the wake of Valentine’s Day, I visited a 95-year-old patient who, in his own words, had come for a “heart valve repair.” It was a delight to also meet his beautiful wife, who walked in during our conversation. Words cannot describe the radiant joy I witnessed on his glowing face. Love was in the air.
“You know, chaplain, we have been married for 71 years,” he eagerly shared.
It was both awe-inspiring and humbling to be in the presence of these lovebirds who had spent a lifetime together.
“What do you think is the secret to a long and happy marriage?” I couldn’t curb my curiosity.
“The secret to a happy marriage is accepting each other’s imperfections and committing to never give up on one another,” his wife interjected.
Her words carried so much wisdom - wisdom deeply rooted in Scripture:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
This couple’s enduring love reminded me of the love Christ has for us - patient, kind, and accepting. Love that transcends self and ego. Love that is wholesome and holy. Love that was given unconditionally, despite our fallibilities. Sacrificial love.
In a culture where true love is often trivialized, commercialized, and even abused, people like my patient and his wife stand as living testimonies of God’s eternal love and grace. Values and worldviews may shift with time, but God’s love remains unchanging. Yes, we are imperfect and fallible, yet He embraces us despite our flaws.
This Valentine’s Day - and every day - rise above human imperfections and be love. Let us accept each other, shortcomings and all, and find hope, wholeness, and healing in God’s perfect love, grace, and sacrifice.
PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
