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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
17
But thou, when thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face;
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This aligns with the tradition of Palestine, where it is customary to anoint heads during celebrations. Consequently, it is suggested that we express joy and triumph throughout Lent. Many who reflect on the familiar words of the Psalmist, ‘Let not the oil of a sinner anoint my head,’ argue that, in contrast, the anointing oil referenced in another passage, ‘Thou hast anointed Thee, O God, Thy God, with the oil of gladness more than Thy partners,’ signifies goodness. This practice is encouraged so that we may anoint the principal part of our hearts with spiritual oil as we cultivate our virtues."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructed us not only to refrain from broadcasting our good deeds but also to keep them discreet, much like He demonstrated even before giving this guidance. Regarding charitable acts, He cautioned, “Take heed that ye do not do your alms before men,” and further clarified, “That ye may be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). However, He did not express this about prayer and fasting. Why? Because it’s not feasible to give to the poor without being noticed; yet, it is possible to pray and fast in private. Therefore, when He advised, “Let not the left hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matthew 6:3), He was not merely referring to physical hands, but rather to the necessity of keeping our acts of devotion concealed from others. This is similar to His instruction to enter into one’s room for prayer, emphasizing that prayer ought to occur in private. When He spoke of anointing our heads, He did not insist that we must do so; otherwise, we would all fall short of this directive—even the wilderness dwellers, who focus on fasting in solitude. The Saviour's intention was not what has often been misunderstood. Historically, it was customary for people to anoint themselves in times of happiness, as seen in the actions of David and Daniel. Christ’s command to anoint our heads does not imply that we should do so out of obligation, but rather it highlights the importance of discreet fasting, which truly belongs to us. To illustrate this, He exemplified His teaching through His actions, as He fasted for forty days in silence, refraining from anointing His head or washing His face, thus completing His tasks without any pretense. \\n\\nBy referring to hypocrites, He conveyed a deeper meaning to His listeners; He aimed to warn against sinful desires, asserting that the duplicity of a hypocrite is not only contemptible but also ultimately harmful. The façade of a hypocrite may shine momentarily while the act unfolds, but it is only an illusion since most spectators recognize the falsehood. Once the pretense fades, the hypocrite stands exposed for who they truly are. The same outcome is destined for those seeking vanity. Though many already perceive them as disingenuous here on earth, they will be unveiled fully later, stripped of all pretense. In contrast, the Saviour guides His followers away from emulating hypocrites by emphasizing the simplicity of His command. He does not mandate extended fasts or excessive denial but alerts us to guard against losing our spiritual rewards. The challenge of fasting affects all of us, including the hypocrites who also fast. However, the core task—making certain we do not forfeit our rewards—is where His command remains. Thus, He does not burden us further but protects us from the false assurance of reward, desiring that we not depart unredeemed like the hypocrites. These hypocrites resemble those who participate in the Olympic Games, striving to win the favor of an audience that, regardless of its nobility, cannot grant them true value. Instead, you are urged to strive for victory in the eyes of the Lord, who will reward you, far exceeding any acclaim from worldly figures; in the meantime, heedfully share your triumph with others who may lack the power to help yet hold the potential to harm.\\n\\nChrist's exhortation, “You, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face,” serves not as a directive for literal anointing, as few accomplish, but as an invitation to embrace joy and a cheerful spirit in our fasting (for He calls us to fast joyfully, not with gloom)."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructed, “But when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face, lest thou appear as a man fasting.” This raises the question of how we should act when it opposes the wishes of others to manifest our fasting for the sake of pleasing God, a practice often observed among the saints. This teaching pertains to those who aspire to carry out God’s commandments in a manner that seeks human approval, driven by worldly desires. For the Lord Himself affirmed that the commandment of God, when carried out for His glory, cannot genuinely be concealed from those who love Him, as He stated, “The hail cannot be hid on the top of the mountain; neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel.” (Matthew 5:14-15)."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"When you engage in fasting, ensure you cleanse your face and anoint your head. Through this guidance, the Lord instructs you not to be overly focused on seeking the approval of others so that your acts of fasting do not become a display for earthly recognition. Additionally, when you fast in solitude, you can earn the favor of the One who bestows grace upon you for your hidden observances. The sacred message, “Wash thy face ... and anoint thy head,” invites you into a deeper mystery. Just as one who tends to their head will also cleanse their face, it is essential to purify your spiritual faculties from all blemish. Thus, heed this divine mandate concerning the inner being, and cleanse your spirit from the filth of wickedness while anointing yourself with sanctity, so that you may share in the glory of Christ."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Just as those in ancient times would anoint themselves with oil following a cleansing, so too should you display your joy. The term oil also signifies acts of charity, and Christ is represented as the head to be anointed with such acts. To ‘wash the face’ refers to cleansing the senses with tears."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the same manner as when He remarked, ‘If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out, and if your right hand leads you astray, cut it off,’ He was not addressing a physical distortion, as we have clarified. Here, He instructs us not just to anoint and wash, for He Himself did not engage in these practices during His forty-day fast. Rather, He emphasizes a deeper principle: to mask the somber appearance of fasting by presenting ourselves with joy and contentment. Anointing the head with oil and washing the face with water were traditionally seen as expressions of joy among the ancients, and He encourages us to show our contentment even while fasting, thereby concealing our devotion from others and transforming the weight of fasting into a celebration that dispels sorrow. Additionally, we can interpret this as dulling our thoughts with the oil of generosity and refreshing our faces with the tears of repentance. Throughout His teachings, He frequently interlinks these ideas, urging us not to focus solely on the surface of the commandments but to delve deeper into their true significance."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The countenance of a person who fasts often becomes gaunt, pale, and dry due to lack of nourishment and possible anemia. In contrast, anointing the head and cleansing the face can restore color and vitality. This illustrates why it may be challenging to recognize someone who is fasting. However, it is important to understand that Jesus Christ did not command us to visibly anoint our heads or wash our faces while fasting. He Himself refrained from such actions during His fast, emphasizing instead that our fasting should not aim for human admiration, but rather for the hidden cultivation of virtue, avoiding pride. This is further underscored by His words: \\"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.\\" Additionally, He taught: \\"But when you pray, go into your room, and shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret\\" (Matthew 6:3, 6). \\n\\nThe act of anointing the head and washing the face can also be interpreted differently. The head represents the mind, while the face symbolizes one’s life and condition. Just as the head governs the body’s functions, so too do all thoughts arise from the mind. Similarly, we judge a person by their outward appearance, which reflects their moral standing. Through these teachings, the God-Man instructs us: \\"When you fast, anoint your mind with the oil of faith and the balm of compassion and charity, and cleanse your life and actions of all impurities.\\" Jesus Christ also makes clear that God observes not just the outward manifestations but also the hidden and secret aspects of our lives. He assures us, \\"Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly,\\" indicating that on the day of judgment, all hidden deeds, words, and the deepest thoughts of humanity will be laid bare."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Anoint your head and other aspects of yourself. Present yourself before others as you typically would, without adopting an intentionally peculiar appearance. This way of speaking draws from Jewish customs, as Jews and other Eastern cultures have traditionally engaged in frequent ritual washings of the body and its parts, afterwards applying oil to nourish the skin, particularly beneficial in warmer climates, providing comfort and a soft feel (Mk. 7:2; Lk. 7:46; Jn. 12:3). Since this language is metaphorical, it should not be interpreted literally. In instructing us to anoint our heads, the Savior does not imply that we must anoint ourselves physically, but rather that we ought to discreetly guard our inner truths (Chrysostom). The primary message of the command is that those who fast should not showcase their fasting through their outward appearance. The mourning of the soul should not be visible to others, but only to Him who perceives all hidden matters; He will recognize the true condition of the soul even if the fasting individual appears unremarkable and will offer due reward. This does not mean one cannot naturally express their sorrow; rather, it emphasizes the importance of avoiding any intention to seek human praise."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When you observe a fast, do not let anyone see your condition; keep your head up and your face clean to ensure that you do not appear different from someone who is not fasting."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But when you fast, Jesus Christ teaches, anoint your head and wash your face so you do not appear to be fasting to others, but only to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly (Matt. 6:17, 18). In ancient Eastern customs, people would joyfully anoint their heads with fragrant oils and cleanse their faces with great care during times of celebration. In contrast, during periods of mourning, they would dust their heads with ashes and refrain from washing. However, the Saviour does not instruct us to literally adorn ourselves with fragrances or obsess over our appearance while fasting. It is inappropriate for a Christian to focus excessively on physical adornment, particularly during Lent. Instead, He encourages us to approach this season as a cherished opportunity for spiritual refinement and salvation, embracing it with joy and entering into the fast not with a heavy heart, but with a spirited and hopeful attitude, much like a brave warrior prepares for battle with unwavering resolve."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Warning Against Ostentatious Fasting In His admonition to His disciples about the dangers of pride, Jesus Christ instructed them to avoid performing righteous acts and praying merely for show, so that they would not seek the admiration of others. Similarly, He urged us to observe fasting discreetly, so that it would go unnoticed by others. The Significance of Fasting It has been noted that overindulgence in food and drink can lead to discomfort in the stomach, clouded judgment, and weakened willpower. These consequences are likely familiar to all of us. Therefore, at times, it becomes necessary to refrain from food and drink in order to bring the body into alignment with the spirit. This is particularly crucial in the battle against temptation and for cultivating a deeper awareness of one's sins, self-reflection, and repentance. Abstaining from food and drink can vary in form and duration, depending on the strength of the individual fasting and the intensity of the temptation faced. Regardless, fasting should be undertaken for personal growth, for the conquest of the spirit over a fleshly and impulsive body, rather than for the sake of appearing to fast. The Pharisees of that time were particularly concerned about maintaining an outward impression of piety. The Jews typically engaged in regular cleansing and anointing, which was necessary due to the warm climate of Palestine. However, the Pharisees refrained from washing, tousled their hair, dressed in worn clothing, and sprinkled ashes on their heads to attract attention and mislead others with their unusual demeanor. Their fasting was more about creating an illusion than true fasting; the crowds they misled admired them for this feigned devotion, providing them with the only reward they sought through their hypocrisy. Yet Christ calls for a different practice of fasting from His followers. When you fast, do not appear somber or dejected; do not alter your appearance in any way, and strive to avoid drawing attention to yourselves. You are fasting for your own sake, not for the observation of others, but before your Heavenly Father, who sees all that occurs in private and understands your innermost thoughts. He recognizes the good you do, including your prayers and fasts carried out in secret, and will reward you openly. As previously mentioned, Christ’s commandments do not prohibit the open enactment of good deeds and prayers, provided they are not performed for the sake of human admiration; likewise, open fasting is permissible if it serves to discipline the body in service of the spirit, facilitating more profound prayer and repentance rather than seeking approval from others."}]}
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