Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena: Day Five

1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God.” Saint Peter was talking specifically to women in the passage. But I’m sure it is true for men too. The prophet Samuel heard from the Lord, “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).” Beauty and beautiful things are not forbidden by God. There are many passages on external beauty. But they need to be matched by internal beauty. We all know people who look beautiful and seem to have it all, but are difficult to deal with or are terribly depressed to the point of self-destruction. The saints were heroes, who, despite terrible suffering, were joyful and generous, and had “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).” The humble wool of the Brown Scapular is a sign that Jesus and Mary in Nazareth didn’t have much, but they were inwardly joyful. They had all they needed in the Father. This is inward beauty. Whether or not you wear the Scapular, let’s pray for the internal beauty that remains, regardless of how things look on the outside. Today is day five of the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel: O Mother of Fair Love, through your goodness, as your children, we are called to live in the spirit of Carmel. Help us to live in charity with one another, prayerful as Elijah of old, and mindful of our call to minister to God's people. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.