Feb 14, 2022. Gospel Matt 10:34-42 Feast of St Valentine, Priest and Martyr.

[34] Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword. [35] For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [35] "I came to set a man at variance": Not that this was the end or design of the coming of our Saviour; but that his coming and his doctrine would have this effect, by reason of the obstinate resistance that many would make, and of their persecuting all such as should adhere to him. [36] And a man's enemies shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. [38] And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. [39] He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it. [40] He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. [42] And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. Saint Valentine was a holy priest of Rome who was martyred under the Emperor Aurelian in 270.  He co-operated in the Saviour's Redemption "by bearing the cross after Him" (Gospel).  "Having made the sacrifice of his life for Him, he finds it again." (ibid.), for, "victorious in his terrible fight" (Epistle), God "crowns him in heaven with glory and honour" (offertory). Sharing in a spirit of penitence the redeeming sufferings of the Saviour , let us ask Him "through the intercession of St Valentine, to be delivered from all the ills that threaten us" (Collect).