In this special, stand-alone episode, I look into what a covenant is and why it matters to us as Christians. This was recorded for a course that I am completing which means that you can participate in grading me if you so desire. Sources: New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology (1995), edited by David Atkinson, David Field, Arthur Holmes, and Oliver O’Donovan.Daily Doctrine (2024), by Kevin DeYoung. God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants (2015), by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum. New Testament Theology (1990), by Leon Morris.Christ the Covenant Head, by John Gill: Courtesy of the Free Grace Broadcaster, Issue 271 (Spring 2025). Covenant: Still More Words of Life for the Church and for the World (2016-2017), by John Rutz and Mark W. Love. The Westminster Confession of Faith (2007), published by the Orthodox Pesbyterian Church.

Today, we’re talking about Saint Valentine—not the Hallmark version, not the cartoonish cherub with a bow, but the flesh-and-blood man who lived, loved, and died in defiance of an empire. His story is bloodier than you think, but also more relevant than you might expect.

So, let’s talk about the real Saint Valentine.

Today, we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked but is profoundly rich with meaning: the significance of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Now, before we get too far, let me assure you that “ordinary” does not mean dull, plain, or insignificant. Far from it! The word “ordinary” comes from the Latin “ordo,” meaning order. Just as all of creation is ordered and designed with purpose, so too are our days, including those that fall between major liturgical seasons like Christmas and Easter.

Ordinary Time is marked by the color green, symbolizing growth, life, and vitality. Think of the lush greenery of a forest or the vibrant grass of a field. These are reminders that even in the seasons of “everyday” life, we are called to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with Christ. This is not a season to be skipped over or dismissed. Instead, it is a time to reflect on how God sustains us through the rhythms of life and how He is present in even the most common moments.