Our new Holy Father's daily sermons have been getting a lot of attention, and rightly so. He knows how to get to the heart of whatever matter he is speaking about and offers a lot for us to reflect upon.
In early April, Pope Francis' preached a message that all of us need to consider, and is especially important for single people who are looking for a lasting relationship. He warned that complaining about others and circumstances damages the heart and takes away hope. Never enter “into this game of living on complaints,” he said.
Why is this important for single people in particular? Well, I think everyone tries to put their best foot forward when dating and here's just one more way to make yourself attractive — by taking the Pope's words to heart and being someone who reflects hope and has a joyful attitude, despite your difficulties.
I've known people before, as you probably do, who thrive on disaster or difficulty. They focus on the worst of every situation and if they can't find something wrong then they look for ways to make the situation a negative one. It's exhausting!
But how great is it to be with someone that can always find the upside in any situation? It's refreshing to be with someone who is flexible, versatile, and accepts challenges with a positive attitude. Now that's attractive, and exciting. It makes you want to be around that person and go through experiences with them.
Pope Francis illustrated his message by turning to the Gospel passage of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus and their utter dismay at the death of Jesus, the one in whom they had placed their hope. He noted how all they were doing was complaining and they couldn't recognize the Lord, who was right there with them. Their conversations made them withdraw and become depressed, sulking in negativity.
Isn't it so tempting, at times, to take on that same demeanor, especially when we don't understand what God is doing? Why aren't things happening faster? Why did God allow this to happen? I hate it when I have days like this! Having a Choleric/Melancholic temperament, myself, it's easy for me to slip into the mode of constantly complaining.
"But at that very moment," the Pope continued, the Lord is “close to us, but we do not recognize him.” Jesus was “patient with them,” he said, first listening, then explaining, and in the end He revealed Himself to them. Jesus “does this with us,” the Pope said, even in our darkest moments. That is the most important thing of all to remember, because knowing God is with you makes life worth living and is the motivation to get through even the toughest times.
I hope you will take this to heart and as you search for a lasting relationship, don't forget this important message! It can help you be the kind of person everyone wants to be around!
