Modesty

Divine Intimacy #89

Modesty - seems like a word that is not used very often these days. I remember my dad telling me that my mom was modest. I never really knew what he meant by that. Modest in dress was all I thought it meant, and yes, she was modest in dress and taught us girls to be the same. But today’s reading takes us deeper into the topic of modesty.

Modesty is meant to moderate and regulate all our actions, both interior and exterior. Where the eye is the portal of chastity, the senses become the portal of modesty.

Photo by Rana Sawalha on Unsplash

So how do we apply modesty in our world today? St. John of the Cross offered a golden rule, stating that we are to use our senses solely for the service and glory of God. I’m not a cloistered nun or even an apostolic or consecrated woman who is in an environment where that is the main goal every day, so this statement may seem difficult for the rest of us out in the world.

But it shouldn’t be. We are to use our senses well in the vocation we have, and in something honorable and just, leaving the rest to God.

Hmm, and that means?

Smell the roses and praise God for their incredible perfume. Blow out the candles on the cake at a joyful gathering and thank God for the ability to breathe. Listen to podcasts or music that lifts you up, encourages you, and brings your heart to think of God. Eat a healthy, nourishing, and delicious meal, and consider all that went into bringing it to your lips. Take in a sunset, a snowy trail, a mountain range, an ocean view, or a blowing field of golden wheat, and smile, knowing that God created all these things for you to enjoy, to fill your senses with, and to give him glory and honor.

Our senses are affected by our choices. Most of the time, we know what is right or wrong, good or bad. We know what to drop, what leads us away from God’s goodness, and what brings us to it. Watching for disorder through moderation, regulation, and awareness is imperative. Ask the ‘patrol of goodness’ in your heart to be on guard constantly, keeping your senses pointed toward the goodness of God.