azwraith,
Priest
The old man was a priest, alright. For his faith and his actions, he was persecuted while catching the eye of then Roman Emperor Claudius II. Interrogated, he was given a choice: abandon his faith, or lose his life. Naturally, he refused, and he was executed the day after.
Prisoner
Before his execution, however, he already was tested, quite a while back. A judge by the name of Asterius already had him under house arrest, discussing theology with him. For proof of the validity of Jesus, the judge had him brought before his adopted blind daughter. If Valentine can cure his daughter’s blindness, he can go free. Setting his hands on the girl’s eyes, Valentine was able to restore her sight. Humbled, Asterius freed all Christian inmates (Valentine included) under his authority, and he and his family and servants were baptized.
Martyr
The actions that caught the Emperor’s eye are part of the reasons why we celebrate Valentine’s Day today. The first one was when he aided other Christians like himself, and the second time was when he helped soldiers avoid incoming wars. Regardless of who he helped, he was still arrested for one thing: marriage. Not his marriage— but rather the fact that he solemnizes the marriages of Christians and soldiers.
To help Christians is to commit a crime, while a married soldier is useless in battle. Marriage, though? Hah. Impossible.
But not for this man.
Helping couples get together, just for pure love for each other? That was something he sought. By secretly marrying couples, he was able to give them happy lives, right until the end.
Despite being caught and executed, he is still remembered today for what he has done for all future couples. Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
Literary: Old Man Valentine
Priest
The old man was a priest, alright. For his faith and his actions, he was persecuted while catching the eye of then Roman Emperor Claudius II. Interrogated, he was given a choice: abandon his faith, or lose his life. Naturally, he refused, and he was executed the day after.
Prisoner
Before his execution, however, he already was tested, quite a while back. A judge by the name of Asterius already had him under house arrest, discussing theology with him. For proof of the validity of Jesus, the judge had him brought before his adopted blind daughter. If Valentine can cure his daughter’s blindness, he can go free. Setting his hands on the girl’s eyes, Valentine was able to restore her sight. Humbled, Asterius freed all Christian inmates (Valentine included) under his authority, and he and his family and servants were baptized.
Martyr
The actions that caught the Emperor’s eye are part of the reasons why we celebrate Valentine’s Day today. The first one was when he aided other Christians like himself, and the second time was when he helped soldiers avoid incoming wars. Regardless of who he helped, he was still arrested for one thing: marriage. Not his marriage— but rather the fact that he solemnizes the marriages of Christians and soldiers.
To help Christians is to commit a crime, while a married soldier is useless in battle. Marriage, though? Hah. Impossible.
But not for this man.
Helping couples get together, just for pure love for each other? That was something he sought. By secretly marrying couples, he was able to give them happy lives, right until the end.
Despite being caught and executed, he is still remembered today for what he has done for all future couples. Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
0 comments: