There are
hundreds of beauty products available in the market today. Sections in
department stores have been dedicated to sell items that promise one's
transformation from head to toe; from having a shiny long hair like that of a
horse’s tail, to having flawless skin as crisp and pinkish as an apple. In
addition, there are also various surgeries that dermatologists and clinics
offer, just so your beauty and youthfulness may be maintained. In the U.S.
alone, the beauty and cosmetic industry is worth $14 billion as of 2016.
External beauty has become the name of the game. But how many of us pay
attention to one's inner beauty? There are very few. For, as they say, focusing
on one's inner beauty is only for those whose external beauty is beyond
redemption. More than the external appearances, our internal disposition is of
prime importance. Beauty that radiates from within is far better than mere
externality. Inner beauty makes you glow.
In the gospel (Lk
11:37-41), Jesus emphasizes the internal aspects of our lives and practices;
that is more than what meets the eye. External rituals may be observed but they
are not a guarantee of one's authenticity and sincerity. A cup may look
pleasing outside, as it is cleansed externally, but from within it is filled
with plunder and evil. Jesus gives us an idea about the true source of genuine
beauty; begin from within, and everything will be clean (and pleasing) for you;
begin with the content of your heart more than from the tone of your skin.
In this way, we
can truly be God's creation that radiates His glory. God's invisible attributes
of eternal power and divinity may be seen and perceived through us (cf. Romans
1:16-25), as the content of our heart is no less than God Himself. It is our
faith in God, which would enable us to live a righteous life. Like the heavens,
may we proclaim the glory of God.
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