Ladies, let’s talk modesty!

Sacrifice of body and mind: I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

Our exterior reflects our interior health. Bright eyes along with healthy skin and hair reflect good physical health overall. Our choice of style in hair, makeup, jewelry and clothing reflects our perceived self-identity. A soul living in the peace of integrity and wholeness is reflected by an appearance and lifestyle dignifying the beauty God created within it. The greater disparity between that which God created in us as a unique and unrepeatable person, and the exterior style chosen in hair, makeup, skin, ornaments, and clothing, shows a disconnect of some sort. It is obvious that a man who comes to mass wearing a superman-style costume is disconnected from reality (this has happened!). It has, however, become normalized in this century for a person to treat their body as an object of re-creation; hair and makeup that previously was adorned by clowns intending to look ridiculous now becomes the trend. Or the body is treated as if it were a canvas upon which to make a statement (and that ‘statement’ changing with trends in ideologies). All of this reflects attitude, unrest, and brokenness rather than interiority. 

Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

St. Peter implores upon us to clothe ourselves with humility (1 Peter 5:5). But society imposes upon us to unclothe ourselves, bare all, treat ourselves and others as objects to be used and lusted after. We should be in awe of the mystery of the person in front of us, a mystery made in the image and likeness of the very God who gives us breath in this moment. Unfortunately, little by little we get pulled into the fashion trends which blind us to reality. Strapless, bare shoulder tops, cleavage showing, all become tempting on hot summer days. Sheer blouses without a camisole underneath are made intentionally to unconsciously draw the eyes inward, seeking what might be revealed. Short shorts and skirts give an unexpected ‘peep show’ to the congregation when the woman bows to the altar. 

This isn’t the ramblings of an older generation at odds with the younger generations. Sexual attraction (SA) and same sex attraction (SSA) are prolific in all generations of Americans due to the erotic visual environment that surrounds us in public and even in the workplace. Christians are struggling to remain pure in heart, mind, and body, and the Church has always been the sanctuary from the world. It has always been the safe place to escape physical, mental, and spiritual harms. A man (or woman) should be able to walk into the Church sanctuary and not need to shield their eyes in order to avoid that occasion to sin created by the young lady in a tiny slip dress in the pew.   

A modest wife is a supreme blessing; no scales can weigh the worth of her chastity. (Sirach 26:15)

Modesty isn’t just for single gals. It continues after marriage. Marriage is a relationship of three: husband, wife, and Holy Spirit. When single, our bodies belong to us and God alone. Once married and the two become one body (Genesis 2:24), the husband and wife have authority over one another’s bodies (1 Corinthians 7:4). Because by nature we were created for this union of husband and wife, women should instinctively want to reserve their body for their husband, and men should instinctively not want any other men (or SSA women) looking at their wife. Jesus tells us, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Yet revealing clothing persists into marriage as well. Additionally, in this century, there is a trend for breastfeeding mothers to fully expose themselves in public, even in the pew. Covering baby and breast with a blanket or cover-up provides the baby with the dark, peaceful environment similar to the womb while the mother’s body remains reserved for her husband and God alone. Consider it this way: one out of three Americans view porn at least monthly. As many as one out of ten Americans are addicted. The porn addict in the pew will have an entirely different perspective on the ‘beauty’ of your breast when exposed. A parishioner should be able to enter the sanctuary without experiencing occasion to sin.

 Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come! (Matthew 18:7)

St. John tells us, “For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world (1 John 2:16)”. It seems ironic to attend mass in God’s house, with God really present in the tabernacle, expecting to receive God’s actual body in the Eucharist, but not willing to do justice to Him and others by properly covering one’s body. This isn’t about the old church vs. the new church, trad Catholics vs. feminists, or you do your truth and I’ll do my truth. No one is entitled to the Eucharist, not even the priest confecting it. It is pure gift from the God who loves you so much that He died on the cross with the greatest of bodily and interior suffering even though He knew you would misunderstand, and thus mistreat, the dignity of your own body which He gave you. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:25, 30)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊

(Images: young woman by Cottonbro Studio from Pexels; Jesus Ecce Homo by Titian via Wikimedia)