Over the next few days, we are challenged to look at the word love in a profound way.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is soon approaching, however, we have National Marriage Week, Mardi Gras, and Ash Wednesday happening in less than a few short weeks. As we begin the month of February, the secular world is focusing on Valentine’s Day. That is not a bad thing, yet as Catholics we should also see the more meaningful focus on God’s love for us.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 The Catechism states, “God is love: God’s very being is love” and, second: “God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” CCC 221. 

For God, living is loving. God’s love is not something that just happens to be, it is all that God does. There is nothing in God other than love and God is nothing but love.

There are variations of the term love. As Christians, agape is the highest form of love, charity and the love of God for man and man for God. So, as we reflect on love, let us be mindful of the true love God has for us.

February 7-14, National Marriage Week reminds us that marriage is more than a day or a ceremony. This important vocational focus allows us to build a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. A family that understands God’s love, opens the door to bear much fruit. The USCCB offers a weeklong at-home retreat to celebrate and pray for your marriage.

Also, in April, there is a local Worldwide Marriage Encounter non-residential weekend being offered at Immaculate Conception Church. What a gift to give to your marriage!

While keeping the celebration vibe of God’s love in our sights, we can come together for a fun and meaningful event, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday! As we prepare to launch into Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 14th you may want to celebrate with Mardi Gras. This is a wonderful Catholic tradition to share with family and friends as we enter the next day with a focus of Lent’s three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Often those who are not aware of why we do what we do as Catholics, are not aware of the amazing love God has offered us. I believe if others knew what we receive at the Mass, His precious body and body, or the ashes on our forehead, or the power of intercession of the saints through prayer, a person may be open to a desire to know more about Catholicism.

Over these next 50 days, be open to sharing why you do what you do as a Catholic. Be grateful for the love you are so blessed to be a part of, our Catholic faith!