On how to deal with St Valentine

It was one of those teaser moments in a news programme; "in a few moments, we will be telling you about why the combination of Sunday and Valentine's day is a disaster for florists." I didn't hear the rest of the item, having to dash somewhere else, but it remained with me as a comment to ponder. I'm not sure why it should matter so much to florists (perhaps somebody can enlighten me) - but it is not always easy for those of us leading worship. And it is my proud boast that this year we didn't mention St Valentine at all on Sunday. The emphasis on romantic love, on coupledom, on spending money, on overpriced flowers and fancy cards has little to do with St Valentine - now no longer named as an "official" saint. But there is a memory of St Valentine - or rather of two Valentines who, in different places, were faithful believers, served as bishops and who were martyred for their faith.
Now there is a story to tell and retell when we meet to worship; the memories of those who have preceded us in faith, who have passed on the faith, who were determined enough to live in integrity even at the cost of their lives. It is not easy being a follower of Jesus - but in some places it is harder than others, and remembering, retelling that story matters.
And it matters because it is not a story only in past. It is still happening today.
Here is just one example, communicated by Forum 18, an organisation concerned with tracking issues of religious freedom around the world.

"Kazakhstan has fined Zhanna-Tereza Raudovich 100 times the minimum monthly wage for hosting a Sunday morning worship service in her home, attended by local Baptist women and their children, Forum 18 News Service has learned.
Police who raided Raudovich's home drew up an official record that "they had discovered an illegally functioning religious community", local Baptists complained to Forum 18. An appeal is due to be heard on 11 February. It remains unclear how Raudovich could pay the fine, as she has six children and does not have paid work. She has been warned that she will face criminal charges if she does not pay the fine. Meanwhile, Kazakh police have told Forum 18 that Kazakh-born Baptist Dmitry Leven will be deported for "illegal missionary activity" unless an appeal to Kazakhstan's Supreme Court against his conviction is successful. As the Supreme Court has refused to even consider an appeal, it is unclear what will happen to Leven. "I just want to be able to remain here," Leven told Forum 18. "I don't want to go anywhere else."
If you want to follow up, or learn more about what Forum 18 does and says, follow this link

http://www.forum18.org/

I am glad that we didn't mention Valentine's Day on Sunday. But I think we needed to - and need to go on - talking about the martyrs, then and now. We are all part of the Body of Christ, and we owe each other our care.