Modesty moderates and regulates all our actions, both interior and exterior, according to our vocation. Each of us are called to “let your modesty be known to all men” (Philippians 4,5).
In order to bear this fruit of the Spirit, we must be free from the attachments of the world in order to be wholly in the service of God. The more a soul aspires to give the total gift of self and be in intimate union with God, the more its conduct must be imbued with perfect modesty – – modesty of countenance, gait, gesture in manner. We are on guard, valuing the importance of a clean heart.
We can learn from the saints. St. Teresa of Avila advises us to “be modest in every action or conversation.” The golden rule of St. John of the Cross was to use the senses solely for the service and glory of God. He talks about raising the heart to God and only using the senses as they are required to accomplish one’s duties. Our senses must be used for an honorable and just purpose and be left free for God.
Only a soul who knows how to guard the senses is capable of recollecting itself interiorly in order to live in intimacy with God. By detaching the senses from earthly things, modesty concentrates and fixes them on God. We put to death the curiosity of our eyes when turning them away from all useless things, we fix them on ourselves, on the movements of our heart, and on the heart of Jesus. This is the positive value of modesty. Only one who loves God very much composes such a discipline on himself.
Saint Teresa Margaret of the Heart of Jesus
Thank you Lord for allowing modesty to regulate my actions both inside and out, creating a clean heart.
Smitten With Goodness 