In February we celebrate Valentine's Day, a day of the heart. Although its celebration is primarily marked by cards and candies, it is an opportunity to reflect on the loved ones in our lives and to give thanks to God for the gift of their love.

At Mass on February 14th, we will hear how Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes. In St. Mark's account, we hear that Jesus' actions sprang from a movement of the heart: "In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, 'My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.'" (Mk. 8:1-3).

In this way, Jesus shows us what it means to be disciples of the heart. Out of love, the individuals of the crowd have come from great distances at risk of exhaustion to be with Jesus and to hear his words. With gratitude for their loving presence and out of deep concern for their need, Jesus works a miracle and multiplies the little food available to him.

In our own lives we, too, can give thanks to God for the presence of those who love us and we can allow our hearts to be moved by their needs. This Valentine's Day, consider how gratitude and compassionate attention to the needs of others can become more deeply a part of the cards, candies, and flowers that you send.