Beauty reigns. [Part II]

Just three days ago, Pope Francis posted on his Instagram page (@franciscus), "So often we forget about Beauty! Mankind thinks, feels, makes, but is in need today of beauty."

In need today of Beauty indeed. And of the care and protection of the most beautiful woman in the world who brings Christ to us like only a mother can bear her child, caring for that child in its most vulnerable stage of life.

She knows exactly what we need and when we need it just like a mother's body so miraculously nourishes her specific child before and after that child's birth.

And so today too often, true, liberating Beauty is deemed unnecessary. An inkling of dependence on the ones who know us best or seeking honest care and protection from another is weakness.

Totally not modern. Old fashioned. Uncool.

Well friends, I beg to differ. I dare to say that independence can be lonely and empty. It is not the Holy Grail - the real Holy Grail, the Cup of Salvation, sits on the altar during Mass. Within it, His Blood that gives the fullness of life. The blood poured out for many, for the entire Mystical Body of Christ. Not just me, and not just you. For all of us, together.

We are a family. When you rejoice, I rejoice. When you suffer, I too suffer.

When you clothe yourself in true Beauty, radiating Christ's love, I can feel it and see it, friends, and so can the whole world. Authentic Beauty gives me hope for a world that consistently runs from togetherness, because togetherness means intimacy.

And that's risky. That is love that requires us to bleed. It requires us to bear burdens for one another. That's dangerous. That puts everything on the line. That, friend, is not a safe love.

But you know what? I don't want safe love. I want a love with no limits.

Friends, may I always put it all on the line for True Love, for He who has called me beautiful. May I risk it all for my love for Him and my love for you. Because you are as precious as all of the diamonds in this world yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

You are priceless. And you are beautiful. Never forget it.