A Biblical Exploration of Beauty and Fashion

First-century Pope St. Clement remarked that Judith exemplified “courageous love,” and her story also highlights the significance of beauty.

St. Paul VI noted that the world requires beauty to counter despair, stating, “Beauty, like truth, brings joy to the human heart, and is that precious fruit which resists the erosion of time, which unites generations and enables them to be one in admiration.”

Judith’s artistic talents enhance her innate beauty: her skillful arrangement of attire, cosmetics, and accessories, including a tiara and jewelry, made her appearance irresistible:

“When they saw her, and noted how her face was altered and her clothing changed, they greatly admired her beauty… And they marveled at her beauty, and admired the Israelites, judging them by her, and every one said to his neighbor, ‘Who can despise these people, who have women like this among them?’” (Judith 10:7–19, RSV2CE)

The Iroquois of North America referred to this gift as Orenda, a spiritual energy symbolizing extraordinary power over people.

Intrigue, Espionage, and Heroic Actions

Father Mike teaches that Judith skillfully navigated intrigue and espionage without compromising her purity. The Book of Judith is rich with double meanings and ironic events, such as Assyrian King Nebuchadnezzar sending his finest warrior, Holofernes, to pursue the Israelites.

Judith identifies her leaders' weaknesses and devises a strategy to defeat the enemy. She adopts an irresistible persona, charming Holofernes into a drunken stupor before taking drastic action:

• She ensnares him, making him vulnerable and alone.
• After he loses consciousness, she beheads him with his own sword and takes his head with her.
• Holofernes, we learn, was “ravished with her,” feeling “moved” and “greatly pleased” by her presence, drinking excessively.

Before the decisive act, she prays:

“O Lord, God of all might, look in this hour upon the work of my hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem. For now is the time to help your inheritance, and to carry out my undertaking for the destruction of the enemies who have risen up against us.” (Judith 13:4–5, RSV2CE)

Father Mike stresses that “her heart’s disposition is right,” and true wisdom springs from loving the Lord with all one’s being. Her leader, Uzziah, acknowledges, “no one can deny your words” due to her clarity of thought and spirit.

A Pre-Feminist Heroine

Over 150 years ago, the renowned Russian poet Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky stated, “Beauty will save the world.” He recognized the strength of women, writing shortly after the era of Catherine the Great, who elevated Russia’s status in the 18th century.

Judith, a wise leader and eloquent speaker, captivated those around her with her beauty. She understood the power of allure, reflecting the sentiment of a 19th-century American Vaudeville joke about women's influence over men.

Plato, in Phaedrus, described beauty as a transformative experience that sparks enthusiasm and connection to something greater than oneself.

Father Mike elucidates Judith’s role, stating, “She crushes the head of the enemy, symbolizing that Jesus Christ, the descendant of woman, will ultimately overcome death.” Figures like Judith and Jael prefigure Mary’s role, the mother of Jesus, who has been revered for centuries. St. Jerome referred to her as “the new Judith.”

“The Lord has struck him down by the hand of a woman… it was my face that tricked him to his destruction, and yet he committed no act of sin with me, to defile and shame me. All the people were greatly astonished, and bowed down and worshipped God.” (Judith 13:16–17, RSV2CE)

St. John Paul the Great believed in a unique sensitivity to beauty within the human soul, akin to a musical string that resonates when confronted with beauty. He noted that all created things reflect a beauty that hints at something deeper.

Father Mike concludes, “Judith is beautiful, prudent, and possesses virtue. She is remarkable.”

The Modern Disconnection from Judith

For centuries, artists and writers have shared Judith's story, yet Protestant versions of the Bible, which emerged over 500 years ago, excluded her narrative.

The Book of Judith, one of the seven texts omitted by Martin Luther, receives little recognition today, despite “Judith of Bethulia” being one of the first full-length films in 1914.

Catholics, who retain the Book of Judith in their Bibles, still often overlook it, as attending Mass or reading the daily scriptures covers only a fraction of the Old Testament.

Celebrating Judith's Triumph

Following her victory, Judith’s community rejoiced with thanksgiving, singing and feasting in Jerusalem for three months.

“I will sing to my God a new song: O Lord, you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible. Let all your creatures serve you, for you spoke, and they were made. You sent forth your Spirit, and it formed them; there is none that can resist your voice.” (Judith 16:13–14, RSV2CE)

What became of Judith? She remained a widow until her death at 105, with many desiring to marry her. The Bible notes:

“...And no one ever spread terror again among the people of Israel in the days of Judith, or for a long time after her death.” (Judith 16:22–25, RSV2CE)