If you’re an active member of any social media network, you know that the “cuffing season” is in full swing. Yes, Catholic Twitter, I’m looking at you.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with it, per se. You never know when love will come nor should you dismiss it because it comes during the time when everyone wants to get paired off to avoid spending the holidays alone. Still, it would be wise to be vigilant and try to keep your head on straight in order to avoid some of the major pitfalls.
While the following quotes may not be about dating and romantic love specifically, they do recall what is most important beyond the euphoric feelings the season may bring. Don’t believe I’ve found the right quotes to help you? Here are fifteen saintly quotes containing words of wisdom to help you in the season.
When temptation is strong
“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.” – St. Charles Borromeo
“One should not say that it is impossible to reach a virtuous life, but one should say that it is not easy. Nor do those who have reached it find it easy to maintain.” – St. Anthony of the Desert
“It is the duty of every man to uphold the dignity of every woman.” – Pope St. John Paul II
“Where there is no obedience, there is no virtue. Where there is no virtue, there is no good. Where there is no good, there is no love, there is no God, and where there is no God there is paradise.” – St. Pio of Pietrelcina
If you stumble along the way
“We must faithfully keep what we have promised. If through human weakness we fall, we must always without delay arise again by means of holy penance and give our attention to leading a good life.” – St. Colette
If you get rejected or ridiculed
“Dismiss all anger and look into yourself a little. Remember he of whom you are speaking is your brother, and as he is in the way of salvation, God can make him a saint, in spite of his present weakness.” – St. Thomas of Villanova
“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times, in all circumstances.” – St. Vincent de Paul
“And, above all, be on your guard not to want to get anything done by force because God has given free will to everyone and wants to force no one, but only proposes, invites, and counsels.” – St. Angela Merici
Remember what’s important
“All things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola
“Be brave and try to detach your heart from worldly things. Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind and come to understand what true, selfless piety is. Through confession, endeavor to purify your heart of everything which may still taint it. Enliven your faith, which is essential to understand and achieve piety.” – St. John Bosco
“In the light of faith, you see things quite differently.” – St. John Baptiste de la Salle
Unsuccessful in your search?
“What is a vocation? It is a gift from God, so it comes from God. If it is a gift from God, our concern must be to know God’s will. We must enter that path; if God wants, when God wants, how God wants, never force the door.” – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Anxiety doesn’t help at all. Our merciful Lord will listen to your prayers.” – St. Pio of Pietrelcina
And always remember only He can fill that hole in your heart
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” – St. Augustine of Hippo
“Totally love Him, Who gave Himself totally for your love.” – St. Clare of Assisi
While these quotes may seem odd and out of place, you can’t deny that they work in this situation… or in other situations as well. Don’t forget to do the right thing. If you must “flirt to convert,” please do it gently as to not scare the nice potential Catholics away.
Good luck and don’t forget that going to Mass totally counts as a solid date!
