Secret Saints Create: The Under-Appreciated Catholic Transcendental

Beauty isn't an extra.

It's one of the ways God reveals Himself to the world. In fact, the very first words of Scripture are not a command or a doctrine. They introduce us to God through an act of creation.

"In the beginning, God created..." (Genesis 1:1)

Secret saints create because they were created in the image and likeness of the Creator.

Why Beauty Matters

Truth matters.

Goodness matters.

But beauty, the often under-appreciated Catholic transcendental, opens the door to both.

Beauty has a way of disarming us. It softens hearts, awakens wonder, and stirs curiosity. It invites us to ask, "Who made this?"

After I watched KPop Demon Hunters for the first time, I immediately searched online to learn who created it. I wanted to know whether it's themes of sin, shame, sacrifice, and redemption were intentional. The beauty of the story made me curious about its creators.

Beautiful things have always done that. They invite us to look beyond themselves because every beautiful work whispers something about the one who made it.

The first person in the Bible, specifically described as being filled with the Holy Spirit, wasn't a prophet, a king, or a preacher. He was an artist.

"I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills..." (Exodus 31:3)

God filled Bezalel with His Spirit so he could create beauty for the Tabernacle. His craftsmanship wasn't merely decoration. It was an invitation to create as God creates. God has a history of inviting artists, designers, builders, musicians, writers, and craftspeople to participate in His work.

Every Christian Is Called to Create

Not everyone paints.

Not everyone writes books.

Not everyone composes music.

But every Christian creates something.

A welcoming home.

A beautiful meal.

A thriving garden.

A business that serves people well.

A classroom where students flourish.

A celebration that brings people together.

A culture where people feel seen and loved.

Beauty isn't confined to museums.

It belongs in everyday life.

Because we are created in God's image, creativity isn't reserved for professional artists. It is part of our calling to cultivate, build, serve, and bless the world around us.

Beauty is a Catholic Transcendental That Prepares Hearts for the Gospel

One of the reasons I love Burning Man is that it reminds me how deeply people hunger for beauty. Every year, tens of thousands of people travel into the desert simply to experience art. They climb sculptures, interact with installations, dance beneath lights, and marvel at things they've never seen before.

Why?

Because beauty awakens something deep within us.

It reminds us that we were made for more.

When we create, we offer people a glimpse of God's heart. Sometimes a painting opens a conversation. Sometimes a song softens a heart. Sometimes a story awakens hope. Sometimes hospitality around a dinner table becomes the place where someone first encounters the love of Christ.

Beauty doesn't replace the Gospel.

It prepares the soil for it.

Become a Secret Saint Who Creates

Secret saints don't create to become famous.

They create because their Father is creative.

I write children's books because stories help children, and adults, imagine the Kingdom of God. Click the link to preview my Book,The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.

I design saint medals because tangible reminders can help people remember who they are in Christ. You can see them at -- https://ecclesiasaintlygifts.etsy.com

So, what are you making?

Whatever it is, make it beautiful.

Someone just might catch a glimpse of the Creator through what you've created.