Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th century poem Parlement of Foules contains what is probably the first written reference to the idea that St. Valentine’s Day is a special day for lovers. The “foules” (i.e. fowls) in question are eagles who gather in a “parlement” convened by Nature on St. Valentine’s Day, at which they are to choose their mates. Three male eagles vie for the hand (or should I say “claw”?) of a female eagle. The female, however, rejects their advances, and Nature allows her the right to choose none of them. Nature thus acknowledges the importance of free will in matters of love.
I believe that free will is one of the most valuable gifts we have, for without it our choices – including choices in matters of love – would be illusory. This is true of the love at the very heart of God’s plan for us: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22). These may be the greatest of God’s commandments, but we are nevertheless free to choose either to obey or to disregard them. That is what makes them meaningful.
The greatest ever demonstration of love was a sacrifice involving an act of free will. As Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep . . . For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10).
In celebrating St. Valentine’s Day this year, let us give thanks for the free will which makes love meaningful.
Duncan McCall
