dressing down with jesus
"When you sin thus against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ." —1 Corinthians 8:12
Today's first reading teaches about giving up your personal freedoms for the good of the rest of the members of the Body of Christ. One aspect of personal liberty which needs to be submitted to the will of God is modesty in dress. Do we dress our way or God's way?
Jesus "dresses down" in the Eucharist. He humbly appears as bread. If He appeared in His full glory, we would catch on fire and melt. Many young women, and some older ones, often dress in such a way that men catch on fire and melt. It's especially a problem when a female dresses immodestly in Church. Young and old men who come to a holy place to try to grow in holiness are instead tempted to catch fire and burn (see 1 Cor 7:9) — at the very place where they shouldn't have to be anxious about being tempted.
Women of Christ, your adornment should not be an external one but rather an internal one (see 1 Pt 3:3ff). Make sure that you don't become a stumbling block to any member of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 8:9). Immodest dress, especially in Church, undermines the atmosphere of holiness in the house of God as He brings His family together.
Jesus' body is presented humbly at Mass. Let us likewise present our bodies humbly and simply to Him. Let us do all we do, including clothing ourselves, for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my Master (Rm 14:7). This is my body, to be given up for You.
Promise: "Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate." —Lk 6:36
Praise: Melissa coordinates fashion shows which model modest yet fashionable women's clothing, so that her teenage daughters and other young women will be encouraged to dress modestly.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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