Why Beauty is not Optional in our Life

Beneath My Rib - Trail Mix for Your Spiritual Journey

Before the beautiful—no, not really before but within the beautiful—the whole person quivers. He not only 'finds' the beautiful moving; rather, he experiences himself as being moved and possessed by it. Balthasar

We were made by God for ecstasy. Beauty triggers our wonder and yearning for something beyond this life - something inexpressible. Beauty is divining, empowering, transforming and exalting. Learn how to bring beauty into your life everyday and radicalize your relationship with God.

Cynicism, pessimism and disillusionment is a debilitating psychological state which surpasses your creativity, dampens your hope, constricts your vision, blinds you to beauty and weakens your entire being. King David understood this when he wrote Psalm 27. At that time in his life he was in extreme danger and vulnerable to being killed. He desired just one thing - to gaze on the beauty of the Lord - because he knew it would lead him to enquire after the full nature of his Lord. It would be the full divine character of God which would set his feet on a secure rock with his head above his enemies.

Psalm 27 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord

Whoever rejects genuine beauty “can no longer pray and soon will no longer be able to love. Balthasar