Dear
Fr. Joe: How modest (concerning dress) is modest enough?
Well, somewhere between sackcloth and Brittany Spears is probably where we want to be. Modesty is a great word, and I am glad you asked about it, because it seems to me that people have stopped even thinking about it, let alone attempting to live it. It's a tough concept to explain, but here is my best effort ...
The idea of modesty is born from a simple principle; our bodies are sacred because they were created by God and are temples of the Holy Spirit.
If our clothes are showcases for our sexual attractiveness and a source of distraction and the potential for sin, then we have not dressed in a modest fashion.
From the Catechism:
Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity.Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one's choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet. (CCC 2521-2522)
Enjoy another day in God's presence!
By Fr. Joe Krupp
Send your Questions to:
"In the Know with Fr. Joe"
FAITH Magazine
300 W. Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
or: JoeInBlack@priest.com
FAITHteen Home | FAITHteen
Issue #4 | About
FAITHteen | FAITH
Magazine