Modesty

Dear Friends in Christ,

If you have ever visited the great cathedrals in Europe, especially St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, you know that even in summer visitors are required to dress appropriately. There are signs near the entrances that show what types of clothing are suitable for God’s house.

Dress codes are integral to our lives in civilized countries. Service personnel and businesses have uniforms to identify themselves. We wear distinctive dress to mark special occasions and special places. Certain clothing is appropriate for a formal evening. Other clothing is common in an office. Appropriate clothing is worn by hospital workers, construction workers, and restaurant staffs. Each type and cut of clothing has its characteristic appearance that identifies it with some place, event, or work. In general, what we wear sends others a message about how we want to present ourselves.

Modesty is a virtue that shows we know how to dress appropriately as Christians. A person who dresses modestly and in good taste shows personal self respect and security.

In an interview four young college age men were asked their reaction to immodestly dressed girls. They said that a girl who dresses immodestly sends a message to guys that she does not respect herself. This message in turn lowers the guy’s respect for her. They see immodest dress as a sign of insecurity and lack of self-confidence. Those who dress immodestly invite others to judge them according to what they see.

Here’s an objection: Fashions change; shouldn’t we dress according to the current fashion? Thirty or forty years ago the women fashions common today were used by women in the “red light district”, i.e. women of the street. Fashions change, but male psychology doesn’t. What women wear has an effect on men who see them. We could also object that men should have their minds on other things than women necklines and skirtlines, but they don’t. Fallen nature hasn’t changed in thirty years either.

You might ask: What guidelines should I follow to dress modestly, especially in
church?

Here at St. John’s we will soon have signs posted at the entrances and in the vestibule to give you a sense of what is appropriate dress in God’s house. Please take a moment to read them and use them as a guide to your choice of clothing when coming to Mass or for a visit.

Women and men who dress simply and modestly show inner strength and confidence that goes beyond appearance. There is an inner beauty that radiates out to others. Here’s an image that might help. Persons who dress immodestly are like a firecracker that explodes. It grabs our attention for a moment, but then it’s over. Persons who dress modestly are like a candle that glows. It draws attention and continues to shine forth its radiance.

“Let your light shine before all” (cf. Matt. 5, 16).

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand