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Our Evolving Perception of Beauty

There is a saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” A segment on the popular TV show, “The Twilight Zone,” depicted a young woman who was seeking plastic surgery. Interestingly, one might immediately jump to the conclusion that she is horribly disfigured. Throughout the episode, one never sees the faces of the doctors or the nurses. When the bandages are finally removed from the young woman, what is revealed is a stunning beauty, and it is then that the faces of the doctors and nurses surrounding her are uncovered – disclosing hideous individuals whose faces are pig-like and horribly disfigured. What we perceive as “beautiful” may not always be shared by others. This can explain many actions and decisions made by individuals for the pursuit of that elusive pearl of great price. There is another saying that “one man’s treasure is another man’s junk.”

Archbishop Listecki


Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

 

There is a saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” A segment on the popular TV show, “The Twilight Zone,” depicted a young woman who was seeking plastic surgery. Interestingly, one might immediately jump to the conclusion that she is horribly disfigured. Throughout the episode, one never sees the faces of the doctors or the nurses. When the bandages are finally removed from the young woman, what is revealed is a stunning beauty, and it is then that the faces of the doctors and nurses surrounding her are uncovered – disclosing hideous individuals whose faces are pig-like and horribly disfigured. What we perceive as “beautiful” may not always be shared by others. This can explain many actions and decisions made by individuals for the pursuit of that elusive pearl of great price. There is another saying that “one man’s treasure is another man’s junk.”

I remember having to take an individual picture for my kindergarten graduation. We were told to dress in our Sunday best. I understood this to be something special, so I informed my mother that I wanted a boutonniere, just like in the movies. However, I didn’t just want your average carnation in my lapel. I decided on a chrysanthemum, a flower five times the size of a carnation. I figured the bigger, the better. I made my way to school, and stood in line for the pictures. I was very proud of my floral display. And, when the picture was taken, I smiled from ear to ear. However, there was another problem. I had no teeth, having lost them due to being kindergarten age. When the picture arrived, my mother placed it in the living room for all to see. Family and friends smiled and chuckled, but not for the admiration that I thought it deserved.

My first day at the minor high school seminary, Quigley Prep South, I realized that I had finally arrived. I was beginning my journey to the goal of priesthood. Filled with pride, I went to the bookstore and saw, in my mind, the most beautiful school jacket conceivable. It had both of the school colors (blue and gold) and every imaginable symbol associated with the history of the seminary plastered on the jacket. There was not an empty space on the jacket (“horror vacui”). I loved it, and I wanted it. And, to my surprise, the clerk was more than happy to sell it. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that I looked like a walking billboard or an advertisement for the history of the school. I wore it a total of one day, after hearing the rumor through the grapevine that “someone actually bought that monstrosity of a jacket.” It remained in my closet until my last days in the college seminary, and then it was tossed into the clothing bin.

There may be many reasons why we hold something as beautiful, or perceive a particular item (like a boutonniere) as a mark of distinction. It may be the influence of others (the whole group thinks it’s beautiful, so we should), a sentimental expression that ties us to a life-long desire, or as beauty presents itself, as something beyond our reach or affirming a truth.

True beauty is both subjective and objective. It’s not only what we “behold,” but constitutes a unity of expression (containing all the elements), which may not be appreciated by all, but certainly expresses beauty.

My jacket was beautiful to me, but objectively gaudy at best. My boutonniere made me feel special, but objectively was a misplaced overstatement. Sentiment still rules much of my perception, and because of this, I save way too much stuff. When I take a picture, I no longer use a boutonniere, and I still have my teeth.
 
Jesus certainly appreciated beauty. It was the face of His Father whose image was carved in love in every one of us. So, recognizing His image, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.                       

 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the July 16, 2019 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.

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