Beauty: Our Weapon Against Darkness

Saints, Exorcists, and Scripture itself testifies to the power of beauty as a weapon against darkness. At times, we might feel overwhelmed by hopelessness or fear or the darkness of the world.

However, beauty arms us for whatever battles we face as a culture and even more as individual souls. Beauty can form a person’s inner disposition to seek out the good and the true. And one person’s interior heart can have ripple effects into the world. Are you feeling discouraged right now? Do you need help? Here are 6 ways beauty comes to our aid and leads us deeper into relationship with our Creator God:

1. Beauty Reflects God

All Beauty in this life is a reflection of God, the fullness of Beauty!

He is the source of all beauty: In our daily experience, in the cosmic unknown. From the mystical to the momentary. When we surround ourselves with true beauty, we invite Him to be with us. We invite God to bring His fullness into our lives. This very invitation pushes out darkness.

Think of a church filled with sacred art – it naturally draws us to holiness. This draw to the good reinforces our commitment to turn away from sin. Think about it: We see the beauty of purity in images of the Holy Family. The truth of the Eucharist is glorified by embellishments at the altar. We meditate on Christ’s passion through the Stations of the Cross. In all of these and more, we are given so many ways to enrich our desire for God.

2. What We Gaze Upon Shapes Us

Evil contorts.

Beauty purifies.

“Finally, brothers and  sisters, whatever is true  whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure – think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

The more time we spend immersed in dark things without an anchor, the more that evil can make its way into our lives and emotions and actions. But when we make an effort to call to mind goodness and light, we remember we are not on our own. We can ask for the Holy Spirit to give us the grace needed to combat evil.

Beauty shapes us in its image, burning away that which does not reflect Beauty Himself. Gazing upon beauty is a sure way to inspire noble, right, pure thoughts, and remind us to call upon the Holy Spirit.

3. The Evil One Hates True Beauty

Wherever God’s beauty reigns, darkness flees.

Exorcists have testified that sacred images, music, and even architecture repel demonic influences. There are accounts of exorcisms where demons shrink away from prayers that speak the truth of who God is. Even the presence of a blessed crucifix or Marian icon has disturbed demonic forces in some accounts.

Holy images, sacred music, and blessed objects drive demons away. Well-known exorcist Fr. Gabriele Amorth educated others on how demons react violently to that which glorifies God. In a collection of interviews, Fr. Amorth emphasized beauty as one of the best ways to allow God to shape us rather than the devil to influence us.

Additionally, exorcist and teacher of beauty, Fr. Chad Ripperger speaks on the importance of surrounding oneself with beauty in architecture and sacred art. He reminds us that ugliness keeps us in confusion while beauty is pleasing to our cognitive faculties and ultimately draws us to truth.

Consider arming yourself against spiritual attack by meditating on beautiful, sacred art and praying with intention and trust, such as one of the Deliverance Prayers written by Fr. Amorth.

4. Scripture Testifies to the Presence of Beauty

These glimpses of God draw our focus and lights our path in dark, chaotic places. It helps us know truth in a new way by signaling that we are in the presence of God. The power of beauty shows up all over Scripture!

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

In the Exodus story, God commands the building of the Tabernacle with the finest craft and artistic expression. In a time of Exile and strife, battles and radical trust in the Lord, the Israelites create a beautiful dwelling place for the Lord. From the tent, to its furnishings, to the Ark of the Covenant itself, beauty announces the presence of the Lord. Fragrant smells and shining metals are paired with the efforts of expert artisans. The Lord tells Moses to find an artist with “a divine spirit of skill” and “knowledge in every craft” to contribute embroidery, precious stones, carved wood, and ornate design of gold, silver, and bronze (Exodus 31:1-5). Far from frivolity, the beauty of the Tabernacle testifies to the Beauty within: He who is worth all praise and glory.

Just like the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament, our Tabernacles and Churches all bear the task of announcing the presence of God. When we see such craftsmanship in carved statues, stained glass, and beautifully designed metals, we are called into something greater than ourselves. The artistic efforts of man are oriented toward the Creator, “For from the greatness and beauty of created things the Creator is seen” (Wisdom 13:5).

the power of beauty

5. Beauty Draws on the Heart: The Testimony of Saints

Throughout history, the words of the Saints point to the different ways that beauty stands against evil and draws us to encounter God:

• In his Confessions written in the 4th century, St. Augustine noticed how God’s creation reflects the divine and bears witness to God’s goodness. He argued that evil cannot truly exist in something beautiful because beauty points toward God, whose essence is the ultimate source of beauty. When we encounter beauty, we are encountering the goodness of God which inherently pushes back darkness.

• In the 7th century, St. John of Damascus defended the sacred art of iconography as a gateway to the divine. Since beauty is not just for its own sake, it becomes a powerful spiritual weapon. An image of Christ has the capacity to drive away demons and protect the faithful by drawing their hearts toward the holiness. St. John argued that the icon of Christ testifies to the truth of the Incarnation, and venerating the icon is a way to recall and honor God Himself, who is represented in the icon.

• In the 16th century, St. Theresa of Avila was being drawn into deeper contemplation through prayer. Beauty can help the soul transition from the chaos and confusion of life and find stillness. Beauty nurtures a gaze that is steady and not demanding, leading to contemplation. In the quiet interior of a soul, God can dwell.

“I myself can come up with nothing as magnificent as the beauty and amplitude of a soul!” – St. Theresa of Avila, The Interior Castle

• Finally, St. John Paul II wrote a “Letter to Artists” in the 20th century expounding on the attributes of art for interior growth and closeness with God, who is Beauty. St. John Paul II described art as a weapon in  spiritual warfare. He believed that the presence of true beauty fights against the forces of relativism, secularism, and despair. He encouraged artists in their God-given work and invited the faithful to experience the light of Christ through beauty.

6. Beauty Draws Us to God

Essentially, friends, Sacred Beauty is not a luxury, but a weapon God gives us! Evil thrives in distortion and ugliness, but true beauty restores order and leads us to God. It is a necessity in the spiritual battle.

When you feel the darkness rising up in your life, remember that you have a weapon against it. Know that the power of beauty is accessible to you in so many ways: Delve deeper into sacred art! Study and ponder iconography. Listen beautiful music. Experience wonder-inspiring architecture. Read wise and encouraging words.

Ask the Holy Spirit to defend you and guide you on this journey. He will use the beauty in your life to draw you close to God who is goodness, beauty, and truth.

are you feeling called…

to bring the power of beauty into this dark world, but don’t know where to start? Here are three intentional ways to welcome beauty into your life:

• Enter into the presence of beauty through stillness. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

• Gift an experience of Sacred Art to your friends that captures multiple senses, such as a print of The Face of Christ paired with original music by Pawel Machura.

• Ready for a bigger step? Why not bring Kate and Pawel to your community! Through an immersive experience of original art, inspirational topics, live music, and often Adoration of Christ in the Eucharist, a Sacred Beauty Event