Caritas...and love.

Today is St. Valentine's Day, one that has been, in many ways, marginalized and co-opted by various industries, commercialized well past the intention of the saint and the memorialization of his efforts. The love that St. Valentine showed was both one rooted in compassion, not individual affection, and in a deep caritas, a love that goes beyond what we now assume charity means.

Yes, flowers, candy, jewelry, cards, and fancy dinners are all part of this holiday now. But underneath it all vibrates a deeper commitment to humankind, I hope. The love and care we show to the particular ones we love should be a microcosm of the greater love we have for one another. That is my hope.

But I would not diminish the importance of having someone you love, someone who loves you as well. It's a comfort to be able to rest in the knowledge that someone knows you well enough to forgive your failings and faults, and will be the steadying force you need when things go off the rails. 

I hope that you have that person, or have had that person, and the memory lives in you.

From my talismanic poet, Walt Whitman:

"Whoever you are, now I place my hand upon you/ That you may be my poem/ I whisper with my lips close to your ear/ I have loved many women and men, but I love none better than you."

Be safe,

C