We live in a culture obsessed with beauty, yet often confused about its true nature. Magazines flaunt airbrushed images, social media feeds overflow with filtered selfies, and the pursuit of physical perfection can become all-consuming.
But what is true beauty?
Is it merely skin deep, fleeting, and superficial? Or does it point to something more enduring?
Just as Saint Louis Marie de Montfort illuminated the path to True Devotion to Mary, we can use his framework to discover the five telling signs of true beauty: it is interior, holy, tender, constant, and disinterested.
1. Interior Beauty: The Wellspring of Radiance
True beauty begins within. It’s not about the perfect nose or symmetrical features, but the character etched on our souls.
As 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us, “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.”
This “hidden character of the heart” is the wellspring of true radiance. It’s the kindness we extend, the compassion we show, and the integrity we embody.
Along with it, It’s also the inner light that shines through our eyes, illuminating our faces with a warmth that no cosmetic can replicate.
This interior beauty is cultivated through self-reflection, prayer, and a commitment to living a virtuous life. It is the foundation upon which all other forms of beauty are built. Above all, it comes from your mind, heart, and the knowledge you have of your beauty source.
2. Holy Beauty: A Reflection of the Divine
Holiness is the fingerprint of God on our souls. True beauty is intrinsically linked to holiness, for it reflects the divine image within us.
As Genesis 1:27 states, “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God, He created them; male and female, He created them.” This inherent dignity and divine spark is the source of our true beauty.
It is not something we earn, but a gift we receive. When we strive to live according to God’s will, when we seek to love as He loves, we allow this divine image to shine forth.
This holy beauty transcends the physical; it is a spiritual grace that emanates from within, drawing others to the goodness and love of God. It is a beauty that inspires awe and reverence, not vanity and self-absorption. Holy beauty essentially means turning away from all allurements of worldly vanity to a posture befitting a child of God.
3. Tender Beauty: The Language of Love
Tenderness is the language of love, and love is the essence of true beauty. Love for God and neighbor.
A tender heart is one that is open to the suffering of others and reaches out with compassion and empathy.
Along with this, it is a heart that is both moved by the beauty of creation along with an appreciation for the simple joys of life.
This tenderness manifests in our interactions with others, in the gentle touch, the kind word, the listening ear. It is a beauty that softens the harsh edges of the world, that brings comfort and hope.
As Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Beauty is that which pleases [God] when seen.” Truly tender beauty pleases not merely the eye, but the heart. It evokes a sense of love and connection, reminding us of our shared humanity.
4. Constant Beauty: An Enduring Grace
Physical beauty is fleeting, subject to the ravages of time. But true beauty is both constant and an enduring grace that grows stronger with age.
Constant beauty is one of a life well-lived, of sacrifices made, and of love freely given. It is the wisdom etched on our faces, the strength in our hands, and the sparkle in our eyes.
This constant beauty is not diminished by wrinkles or gray hair. Rather, it is enhanced by them.
They are the marks of a journey and the testament to a life of love, faith, and resilience.
This is the beauty that truly endures, the beauty that transcends the limitations of the physical realm. This is the beauty that you have.
5. Disinterested Beauty: A Gift Freely Given
True beauty is disinterested; it is not concerned with self-promotion or personal gain. It is a gift freely given and offered without expectation of reciprocation.
Disinterested beauty is a selfless act, a kind word spoken in secret, or a helping hand extended to someone in need. This beauty is not about drawing attention to oneself, but about pointing to some One greater than oneself.
It is a beauty that inspires humility and gratitude which reminds us that all gifts come from God.
As Saint Louis Marie de Montfort writes in True Devotion to Mary, true devotion is “disinterested,” seeking only the glory of God. Similarly, true beauty is oriented towards God, reflecting His glory and drawing us closer to Him.
In a world that often confuses beauty with superficiality, it is vital to rediscover the true meaning of beauty.
By embracing these five signs – interior, holy, tender, constant, and disinterested – we can cultivate a beauty that is not only skin deep, but soul deep.
True beauty is a beauty that radiates from within, reflecting the divine image and drawing others to the love of God. It is a beauty that endures. In essence, true beauty is what truly matters.
A Prayer for True Beauty and Godfidence (inspired by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and Saint John Paul II):
O Mary, Mother of Fair Love, teach me to see the beauty that dwells within me, the beauty of my soul created in God’s image.
Help me to cultivate this interior beauty through prayer, virtue, and a gentle spirit.
Pray that I may reflect the holiness of God in all I do and say, radiating His love to those around me.
Grant me a tender heart, open to the needs of others, and a constant spirit, rooted in faith and hope.
May my beauty be disinterested, offered freely as a gift, seeking only the glory of God.
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to accept myself as I am, knowing that I am loved and cherished by You.
Strengthen my Godfidence, that I may find my true worth in You, and live with the radiant joy of Your presence. Amen.
Image: Photo by Septian simon on Unsplash
