Luke’s passage today in the Gospel is a story that both challenged and inspired those who were listening to Jesus that day as he continued to share a different path for his followers to follow. Maybe some of you have heard of the phrase moral beauty? It is a way to define the response we have to really amazing and beautiful acts by others that demonstrate compassion and kindness. In a world too often filled with stories of moral failure, moral beauty may serve as an inspiration for us; it is a sign of hope both in the time of Jesus and in our own day that there are still many who are seek to do the right thing, to live with decency, to always show kindness towards others. And their actions give us hope; they touch something deep within us and yes, for us as Christians, they remind us of the person of Jesus who always behaved in a way that astonished and inspired those who saw him. I believe our spirits are drawn to recognize and be moved by acts of moral beauty, especially in times of despair or in the midst of suffering.
As …. Writes, “Witnessing moral beauty can inspire awe, healing, and a renewed sense of hope. Witnessing moral beauty can shift our perspective, offering hope and a model for ethical action.”
Let us pray,
I heard about a podcast that described stories from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 (War on the Rocks, 2026; listen here). Marine officers like Aaron Reep and Lee Bowden were tasked with leading the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport. In the face of chaos, fear, and the ever-present threat of violence—including the devastating suicide bombing at Abbey Gate—these Marines demonstrated extraordinary restraint and compassion. They worked tirelessly to protect both their fellow service members and Afghan civilians, guiding families through crowds, comforting frightened children, and making split-second decisions that balanced vigilance with compassion. Their actions, recounted in the War on the Rocks podcast, highlight how moral beauty can emerge even in the darkest, most dangerous circumstances—offering a lifeline of hope and dignity amid crisis.
And certainly many of us have heard the stories from Father Gregory Boyle, author of Tattoos on the Heart, who created the largest gang rehabilitation nonprofit in the world. This agency, Homeboy Industries, founded in Los Angeles in 1988, provides hope, training, and comprehensive support—including mental health counseling, job training, tatoo removal, and employment in social enterprises—to help formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals heal, rebuild their lives, and become contributing members of the community. In his book, Tattoos on the Heart (2010), Father Boyle shares the story of Luis, a former gang member who, after the birth of his daughter, sought a new life through Homeboy Industries. Luis found steady work at the Homeboy Bakery, moved into his own apartment for the first time, and embraced responsibility and leadership. His transformation was so profound that Father Boyle wrote, “he came to know the truth about himself and liked what he found there.” Tragically, Luis was later killed by gang members while loading his car. And yet! His journey stands as a testament to the power of compassion, kinship, and the possibility of breaking cycles of violence.
These acts are not just good—they are beautiful, and they move us in ways that remain with us as we go about our lives
Moral beauty is the felt sense of witnessing or embodying values like honesty, generosity, or forgiveness in a way that stirs something deep within us. They provide an important antidote to what we see and hear too often in news cycles or on social media which often disproportionately reminds us of all the bad that is out there. We too often miss the quiet acts of courage and kindness that show up every day if we pay attention.
Exposure to moral beauty—whether through stories, art, or real-life encounters—can reduce cynicism, buffer against burnout, and even promote healing after trauma (Haidt, 2003).
When was the last time you witnessed an act of moral beauty? How did it affect you? Why Are We Moved by Moral Beauty?
They describe moral elevation as a “moral reset button,” inspiring us to act more virtuously and fostering a sense of connection with others. This emotion not only enhances personal well-being but also strengthens the moral fabric of society.
What qualities do you find most beautiful in others? How do these qualities show up in your own life?
Moral beauty is not rare or unattainable—it is waiting to be noticed and nurtured. In a world that often feels fractured, your attention to moral beauty—within yourself and others—can be a quiet act of resistance and hope. We read the stories of Jesus each week and perhaps as words, they don’t have the full impact they might if we were standing there in such moments. I know how deeply I was moved in watching the series The Chosen that sought to bring to life some of these amazing stories. Imagine what it would have felt like to see him make his way in a crowd to heal people of physical or emotional suffering. Imagine how those who were taken by his message might have felt when he offered blessings upon them. And how do we feel when we hear those words today?
Steps to Cultivate Moral Beauty in Daily Life
Notice and Acknowledge the Small Acts:
Each day, look for moments of honesty, kindness, or courage—no matter how subtle. If you can say something, do!
Acknowledge Your Own Moral Beauty:
Reflect on times you acted in alignment with your values, especially when it was difficult.
Share Stories:
Seek out and share stories of moral beauty. They inspire and connect us.
Practice Moral Imagination:
When faced with a dilemma, ask: “What would be the most beautiful response here?”
Create Rituals of Recognition:
Develop simple rituals, like a gratitude journal, or honoring your heroes on memorial day, to honor acts of moral beauty.
Mindfulness Practice: Savoring Moral Beauty
Inspired by Rick Hanson’s H.E.A.L practice (Hanson, 2018), you can deliberately internalize moments of moral beauty to strengthen your sense of hope and connection. Here’s how:
Have a Moment of Moral Beauty:
Recall or observe an act of integrity, courage, or compassion—something that moves you or restores your faith in others.
Enrich the Experience:
Linger with the details. What did you see, hear, or feel? Let the sense of goodness fill your awareness. Imagine the ripple effects of this act on others and yourself.
Absorb It:
Allow the feeling to sink in. Breathe deeply and sense the experience settling into your body and mind, as if you’re storing it for future strength.
Link Positive and Negative Material (Optional):
If you notice cynicism, pain, or discouragement arising, gently hold both the negative and the positive in your awareness. Let the memory of moral beauty soften the edges of the harder feelings, without forcing anything to change.
Practicing these steps regularly can help counterbalance the weight of moral failure in the world and reinforce your own capacity for goodness.
References
Boyle, G. (2010). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. Free Press.
Haidt, J. (2003). The moral emotions. In R. J. Davidson, K. R. Scherer, & H. H. Goldsmith (Eds.), Handbook of affective sciences (pp. 852–870). Oxford University Press.
Hanson, R. (2018). H.E.A.L. Yourself [Podcast episode 10]. Being Well Podcast. https://rickhanson.com/well-podcast-h-e-a-l-yourself/
Immordino-Yang, M. H., McColl, A., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. (2009). Neural correlates of admiration and compassion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(19), 8021–8026.
Keltner, D. (2023). Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Penguin Press.
Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930302297
Cheng, Q., Wen, X., Ye, G., Liu, Y., Kong, Y., & Mo, L. (2021). Neural underpinnings of morality judgment and moral aesthetic judgment. Scientific reports, 11(1), 18232. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97782-7
War on the Rocks. (2026). [Podcast episode]. War on the Rocks. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/war-on-the-rocks/id682478916
Jaimie L Lusk PsyD, ABPP, BCC, The Power of Moral Beauty, Psychology Today