How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Sound of Music.
Quote #4
REVEREND MOTHER: Did you let him see how you felt?
MARIA: If I did, I didn't know it. That's what's torturing me: I was there on God's errand. To have asked for his love would have been wrong. I couldn't stay, I just couldn't. I'm ready at this moment to take my vows. Please help me.
Maria's not using her religious faith in a very healthy way here. She's using it to avoid dealing with a huge emotional dilemma. Inside the cloister, romantic problems don't exist. Fortunately, the Reverend Mother won't let her get away with it.
Quote #5
REVEREND MOTHER: Maria, the love of a man and a woman is holy, too. You have a great capacity to love. What you must find out is how God wants you to spend your love.
MARIA: But I pledged my life to God. I pledged my life to His service.
REVEREND MOTHER: My daughter, if you love this man, it doesn't mean you love God less.
Reverend Mother tries to assure Maria that there are other forms of holiness—and that loving Captain von Trapp isn't a betrayal or abandonment of God. Maria isn't immediately convinced, but eventually she realizes she needs to go back and face her feelings. It's cool that a celibate cloistered nun like the Reverend Mother would be so wise and open-minded about romantic relationships.
Quote #6
REVEREND MOTHER: God be with you.
Reverend Mother offers this blessing to Maria as the von Trapps are fleeing from the Nazis. She's been instrumental in helping Maria keep and redefine her faith as necessary throughout the story, so it's fitting that she plays a role in the biggest challenge Maria will face. The Reverend Mother is a really centered, calm person in the film. You can see that her faith totally guides her life and gives her serenity. She's completely predictable and consistent in her responses to everything. Where do we sign up?