Florists, candy-makers, card shops, and restaurants would have us believe Valentine’s Day is a happy time of romance and love celebrated by people of all ages. Many people disagree. They experience it as a time of loneliness and melancholy. A time when one is reminded of what was but no longer is. A time of regret. Is there another way to think of Valentine’s Day? Laudato Sí may invite us – even challenge us – to expand our understanding of this significant day.

Consider Valentine’s Day as a time to: 
    --acknowledge my need for relationship
    --expand and deepen my understanding of relationships
    --commit to strengthening them
    --celebrate.

We read in Laudato Sí, “Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another. Each area is responsible for the care of this family.” #42 Surely, this is an expression of relationship. Another way to express love and relationship offered by Pope Francis in Laudato Sí is through embracing the principle of the Common Good.

Common Good, referenced over the years in church teachings, is understood as a collective vision which promotes the flourishing of the human person. It describes conditions needed to attain fulfillment.

Laudato Sí says, “Underlying the principle of common good is respect for the human person as such, endowed with basic and inalienable rights ordered to his or her integral development.” #157 Later, it reminds us, “The notion of the common good also extends to future generations…[we] cannot exclude those who come after us.” LS 159

Practically speaking, what does the Common Good look like? A few examples are: 
    --effective, safe schools for all children
    --good, affordable healthcare system available to all
    --public safety in all neighborhoods
    --clean air and water, globally.
Or, as Kevin W. Irwin writes in A Commentary on Laudato Sí, “If the rhetoric of ‘our’ as opposed to ‘mine’ takes over and becomes second nature to us” we may well be giving expression to the Common Good. Let’s re-visit Valentine’s Day. How can we think of and celebrate this day of love? We can take some time to call to mind the many different types of relationships we have: family; friends; neighbors; co-workers/customers/clients; social groups; pets; nature; all of creation. Recall the blessings these relationships offer to you and identify a way you can strengthen them. Communicate with someone to let them know of your care. Refresh your connection with creation.

Valentine’s Day might be an appropriate time to identify necessary conditions that need to be changed or improved for someone to attain their fulfillment. Commit to making a difference. Give a gift that represents this. Create a simple celebration that would express Valentine’s Day as a Day of Relationship – a Celebration for the Common Good. This year might be the time to creatively imagine a new way to observe Valentine’s Day. A way that’s simple, fresh, and sensitive to the needs of others. Relax and enjoy this different experience. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Suggestions for action:

• Be aware of how the Common Good is being challenged locally, nationally, and globally.
• In light of Laudato Sí, determine a way you will respond. Some examples: Be kind and gentle to all others; Donate to a humanitarian group; Communicate with government and organization decision-makers; Pray; Celebrate

(Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash)