Why Fix Your Hair, If You’re Wearing a Veil?

As I was discerning whether or not to practice the devotion of  veiling, I ravenously researched the practice. The whispered call was there, but so was the fear of others’ opinions – the fear of the outward. But the inspiration to veil had nothing to do with the exterior. The decision to veil was much more about the interior. With the decision made, I still seek out posts and memes on the topic. One good-natured pun I ran across in veiling circles posited that, when you veil, bad hair days matter very little when covered. Inside jokes aside, those little hidden things to which all of us succumb are called to mind.

What Is Under Your Veil?

So, yes, I spend time on my hair before attending Mass – but not because my nice ‘do’ will impress my fellow parishioners. My purpose is to do my best for Jesus, whose house I will be visiting – He Whom I will consume in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Whether or not it is seen by others, I know, and so does He – so I want to present my best to Him – even under my veil.

These musings also present an opportunity to ponder the interior state of our souls. Are there little, hidden things not apparent to others? Should they matter? Who will know? The obvious answer is a resounding,  yes – they matter! If we are truly living out our purpose in this life – gaining Eternal Life with God – then we must sweep away those interior cobwebs. Outward appearances are, as they say, only skin deep. What matters most is that which cannot be seen by the world – our innermost heart and soul. Regular interior housekeeping – confession – becomes another necessary accessory to our Mass attendance.

Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.

 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 28

No Glum Exterior

And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.

~Matthew 6:16

In other words, don’t go for the show; have the proper disposition.

The next penitential season on the Liturgical Calendar, Lent, is just two weeks away. Lent is a time of solemn preparation – the Spring Cleaning of our souls. We will practice penance, pray more fervently, give alms more freely, and do more good. It is a time of making our souls ready. Will we afford ourselves of the vast offerings of opportunities for confession? We await to receive Him as the glorious, resurrected Jesus – God  shedding His Blood for our salvation, an everlasting victory over Satan, and a victorious resurrection.

Easter preparations will be made with great joy and anticipation – a happy time for families to share. Yet we must first prepare our inner disposition for His Easter resurrection. We also know, some day will be the day of His final coming.

Lent is a good time to prepare and set good practices into habit. When He comes again, will we be ready?