Radio Maria England WORD FOR TODAY - Fr Toby - Surprised by Beauty!
Jan 21, 2026
Fr Toby explores the fascinating concept of beauty, questioning whether it is objective or subjective. He emphasizes the blend of order and surprise in beauty, using examples from Scripture and creation. Critiquing modern art, he discusses how extremes can undermine true beauty. He highlights Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment and surprise, illustrating the connection between the Old and New Testaments. By engaging with scripture, Fr Toby encourages listeners to uncover the intertwined truths of beauty, goodness, and truth.
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Beauty Is Order With Surprise
- Beauty combines order with surprise to engage the senses and emotions.
- Pure order becomes banal and pure disorder becomes ugly, so their mix creates lasting attraction.
Truth, Goodness, Beauty As Perspectives
- Truth, goodness and beauty are transcendentals offering different perspectives on one reality.
- We perceive truth with intellect, goodness with will, and beauty with the senses and feelings.
Cleaner Cleans 'Modern Art' Pile
- Fr Toby recalls cleaners removing a supposed modern art 'pile of clothes' in a gallery.
- He uses this to show that some modern art claims can be indistinguishable from mere mess.