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Explanation for:
Matthew
6
:
18
That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee.
10
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{"arr":[{"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":"Yet, He does not prohibit it. If you desire to reveal yourself to others, bide your time; I will grant it to you fully and for your benefit. This yearning of yours will distance you from My glory because neglecting these matters unites you with Me; however, when the time is right, you shall safely partake in all things. Even now, while you are still here, you will reap significant rewards by disregarding human accolades: you will liberate yourself from burdensome servitude to others and become a genuine advocate for goodness. Conversely, if you pursue human praise, you will fail to achieve true virtue, even if you retreat into solitude, due to the absence of an audience. Reflect on this: you bring offense to virtue itself when you engage in it not for its own sake but for the admiration of craftsmen and the applause of a throng of merchants; you wish to dazzle those who are morally inferior, for whom virtue is merely a means to an end, inviting the very opposition of virtue to witness your display. \\n\\nIt is akin to a person striving for a pure life not out of reverence for the sanctity of chastity, but to showcase themselves before those who indulge in immorality. Similarly, you would not truly choose virtue if your motivation was to seek glory among those who oppose it—when it is essential to honor virtue simply for its own sake and because it is worthy of praise, irrespective of its detractors. Thus, we must value virtue not for the approval of others but for its intrinsic worth. It pains us when we are cherished not for who we are but for how we relate to others. Likewise, regard virtue with the same mindset: cherish it not for external validation, obey God not for human acknowledgment, but for the divine purpose in our interactions with others. If you act differently, then, despite appearing to embrace virtue, you cause offense to God just as one who outright rejects it. Just as the latter disobeys God by failing to embody virtue, you breach the divine law by practicing it in a misguided manner."},{"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":"To avoid displaying your fasting to others, you should not seek the recognition of people, as their admiration could rob you of the true reward of your fasting. Your Father, who observes what occurs in secret, will reward you publicly."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In this chapter, it is important to note that boasting can arise not only from the grandeur of physical possessions but also from the most desolate and pitiful conditions. This is particularly perilous since it masquerades as devotion to God. A person who is ostentatiously adorned with luxuries—whether in attire or other material goods—can be readily identified as someone attached to the glories of this world, ultimately failing to deceive others with a façade of piety. Conversely, an individual who, while professing faith in Christ, intentionally draws attention to himself through tattered and wretched garments (and does so with intent rather than out of necessity) can be discerned through his actions. This reveals whether his choice stems from neglect of lavish appearances or a hidden vanity. The Lord also cautioned us against false prophets who disguise themselves as the innocent: “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:16). When they encounter temptation and begin to forsake or abandon what they have pursued under this guise, it will become evident whether they are truly sheep or merely wolves cloaked in sheep's clothing."},{"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":"Revealing to individuals the seriousness of fasting can be seen as an act of servitude. The preceding statement addresses this."},{"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 appearance of a person who is fasting may deteriorate due to insufficient nutrition and the resulting condition of anemia, leading to a pallid and parched complexion. In contrast, anointing the head and cleansing the face through rubbing can restore vibrancy and brightness. This alteration makes it challenging to recognize someone who is fasting. However, it is important to understand that Jesus Christ did not decree that we must physically anoint our heads or wash our faces while fasting. He Himself abstained from these actions during His fast, emphasizing that His message is about avoiding the pursuit of human admiration and instead cherishing hidden goodness while shunning vanity. This is further illustrated by the scripture: \\"But thou that doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.\\" Additionally, \\"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret\\" (Matthew 6:3, 6). \\n\\nThe actions of anointing the head and cleansing the face can also be understood on a deeper level. The head symbolizes the mind, while the face represents one’s life and condition. Just as the head directs all the body's actions, every thought is governed by the mind. Similarly, we assess a person’s character by observing their life. In these teachings, the God-Man instructs us: ‘When you fast, anoint your mind with the balm of faith and the oil of love and mercy, and cleanse your life and all your deeds from any filth or impurity.’ Notice how Jesus conveys that God perceives not only what is visible but also what remains hidden. \\"Your Father,\\" He states, \\"who seeth in secret shall reward you openly,\\" which refers to the day of judgment when all secrets, hidden words and deeds, and the deepest contemplations of humanity will be laid bare."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructed those who practice generosity to do so discreetly, and those who pray to seek solitude in their prayers. Those who fast were also told to keep their fasting hidden. These acts of righteousness should be performed solely for the glory of God and for the good of both our neighbors and our own souls. Not only should our spiritual riches remain concealed from the eyes of others, but also from our own perception. When we seek human approval, our virtues become tarnished; overt displays of righteousness can lead us down the path of self-promotion, dishonesty, and hypocrisy. This tendency arises from the degradation of our nature and the sickness of our souls. Just as a frail body requires protection from harsh elements and poor nourishment, a wounded soul also needs careful management. To safeguard our virtues from the degrading influence of human praise, we must also protect them from the malevolence that resides within us, avoiding idle thoughts and empty desires that emerge after we perform good deeds, lest they rob us of their true rewards."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Be cautious not to let your actions, virtues, or devotions be revealed to others in a self-serving, presumptuous, or superficial manner. Instead, let your conscience witness before God, for He will reward you for what you do or endure for Him, even if unnoticed by others. The Lord instructs us to maintain discretion in our acts of kindness: when you give alms, do so secretly, so that your left hand does not know what your right hand is doing. He also emphasizes the importance of concealment in our prayers: when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in private. Furthermore, when it comes to self-denial and fasting, do not make it known to others, but rather let it be between you and your Father who sees in secret. Thus, He calls for an attitude of modesty and humility in all our duties toward God, our neighbors, and ourselves, in every act of virtue and compliance with the law. Yet, one may ponder how to fulfill Christ's instruction to ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven’ (Matthew 5:16). There is no need for concern; the fulfillment of Christ’s words will occur autonomously without your intervention. The instruction to let your light shine implies that it should do so naturally, just as all light shines, without a command to force it. Good works are characteristics of this divine light: perform them discreetly, and they will illuminate as and when God, the Light-giver, desires. The issue arises when one engages in dark, sinful actions; from these, no light emanates, and God is not glorified by them.\\n\\nYou might question how we can pray or preach publicly in the Church when pious actions must remain private. In response, remember that in the same discourse where our Savior advises secret prayer, He also addresses the act of presenting gifts at the altar: if you are about to offer your gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23), which occurs during communal worship. This shows that the directive for private prayer does not negate our duty to engage in public worship. However, there is a guiding principle here: avoid drawing attention to yourself; rather, humbly approach your heavenly Father, who is aware of your private actions. When you are in church and participate in shared rituals, strive to keep private moments of fervent devotion—such as sighs or tears—from outward display, thus remaining before your Father who witnesses in secret, even in a crowded assembly."},{"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":"Let your fasting not be visible to others, so that they do not speculate about your devotion, but rather let it be seen only by your Heavenly Father, who observes all that is concealed. St. John Chrysostom remarks, \\"anoint your head,\\" indicating that the Lord didn't mandate that we should anoint ourselves without exception; this was not His intent. It was the custom of ancient people to apply oil to themselves during times of happiness, as demonstrated by the examples of David and Daniel. What Christ instructs through these words is to ensure that our fasting is kept private. This understanding is exemplified by His own actions: during His forty days of fasting, He neither anointed His head nor washed His face, doing so without seeking recognition. This is also what He desires from us. The challenge associated with fasting lies not only with us but also with the hypocrites, who also partake in fasting. However, the simplest task—striving not to lose your reward—is what the Saviour commands. If you are eager to gain human recognition, be patient; I will grant it to you abundantly and beneficially. Recognize that a humble fast is a pleasing offering to God, one that will be rewarded: your Father, who sees all that is hidden, will acknowledge you openly. \\"Consider this: you diminish virtue itself,\\" warns the same universal teacher, \\"when you pursue it not for its own sake, but for a mere craftsman, a blacksmith, or a throng of traders. We are offended when we are cherished not for our true selves, but for our associations. Similarly, reflect upon virtue: do not cherish it for others, and obey God not for the sake of men, but for the Lord Himself. Otherwise, despite your apparent love for virtue, you upset God just as much as someone who disregards it entirely.\\" \\"Engage in action,\\" advises St. Philaret of Moscow, \\"perform good works, serve God; but be cautious that your good deeds, virtues, and piety are not displayed before men unnecessarily, from self-will or vanity. Virtue possesses a divine essence; let it remain a secret from the earthly realm. Carry it out in private; let it be visible only to God. This was the approach of God’s holy servants. They diligently observed fasting but endeavored to keep this virtue from the sight of others. Everything that applies to fasting is relevant to all virtues: they should be enveloped in humility. The Monk Silouan lamented, 'Woe to the man whose reputation surpasses that of his actions.' We must perpetually remember with reverence, as the Venerable John Climacus teaches, that 'empty pride leads us to adopt an image of virtue we do not possess, urging us on with the Gospel words: \\"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works\\" (Matthew 5:16). Yet the Saviour speaks of genuine good works, not façades; real good works, regardless of how much you attempt to hide them, will eventually come to light. When they are revealed, direct them toward glorifying God, that they may honor our Father in heaven, who equips us to perform such deeds. However, a vain person carries out actions merely ‘to gain personal glory’ among people. Blessed Theophylact suggests that by 'oil' we might also refer to acts of charity, and by 'the head' might imply Christ, Who should be honored with our generosity. To 'wash the face' signifies the purification of the soul and the cleansing of our senses through tears."},{"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":"The Lord desires our fasting to be genuine, marked by a deep spiritual commitment that begins and persists under the watchful gaze of our Heavenly Father. A true faster initiates the fast through rigorous restraint from excessive food and drink, fully redirecting their soul toward God. When the body is indulged, the soul cannot focus on divine matters. However, mere abstinence of the body from indulgences is ineffective unless it is matched by the mind’s detachment from worldly distractions and the heart’s renunciation of sinful longings. The Lord’s gaze penetrates the hidden depths of our hearts; He does not endorse bodily fasting when our souls, laid bare before Him, fail to abstain from wrongdoing. The holy Fathers instruct us that the most powerful methods for this inner fasting of the soul include persistent, heartfelt prayer to the Lord, which is inseparable from true fasting, alongside kindness towards our neighbors and, most importantly, charitable giving. Thus, the practice of anointing our heads and cleansing our faces during fasting symbolizes the enriching of our souls through virtuous acts of love and the purification of our hearts through tears of prayer. Those who embark on their fast with this spiritual disposition before the Lord will receive His rewarding grace, for the heavenly Father, who sees what is concealed, will manifest His favor openly. He will enable the fasting heart to experience the true fruits of fasting, which may initially seem bitter but ultimately surpasses worldly sweetness. A life-giving light will shine from above into the shadowy corners of a penitent's heart. The humbled sinner, filled with remorse, will perceive their own sinfulness and emptiness, recognizing a soul tainted by passions and desires enslaved by evil. From this contrite heart will flow tears of sorrow for offending the Lord, who is love and mercy incarnate. When cast down before the Father in heaven and the Savior who endured the Cross for us, the sinner, with the aid of the altar minister, will no longer conceal their transgressions, akin to a householder realizing the dirt within when sunlight penetrates the windows, and strives to remove every trace of it. And what joy will fill the heart upon experiencing the transformative mercy of the heavenly Father, who assures the sinner that their transgressions are forgiven. According to the wise Fathers, the clearest indicator for a repentant sinner to know their sins are absolved is the profound feeling of aversion and repugnance toward sin, leading them to prefer death over willful disobedience to the Lord. This sentiment arises naturally in those who have devoted themselves to God and truly love Him, fostering a deep fear of offending His divine love through any wrongdoing. If a sinner has yet to feel this sacred transformation in their heart, either during fasting or repentance, it is a clear indication that their fast is lacking before the heavenly Father and their sins remain unwashed by true contrition. Unrepentant sins weigh down the soul, often plunging it into additional vices and weaknesses. Therefore, my brethren, let us recognize how crucial fasting is for the healing of our sinful souls. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Source and Perfection of our faith, deemed fasting so critical that He not only commanded it within the Gospel but also sanctified it through His divine example, fasting for forty days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). By fasting, He triumphed over all temptations of our adversary. In truth, the sinless Lord had no need for fasting as an instrument against sin, as the ultimate embodiment of purity did not require purification. The Almighty could have vanquished the tempter without fasting, but He willingly undertook forty days of fasting to restore our ancestors' self-discipline lost in the paradise of delight, which led to their disobedience to God's command. He fasted on our behalf to sanctify our unworthy fast, transforming it into a remedy for our sinful souls. By fasting for us, He provided divine strength to our feeble attempts at fasting, enabling it to serve as a potent shield against the temptations of sin and evil spirits, motivating us, His frail followers, to emulate His example in overcoming the enemies of our salvation. When our Leader began the mission of redeeming humanity through fasting, who among the faithful could believe we could achieve salvation without it? A warrior deprived of weaponry is vulnerable to the enemy; similarly, a Christian lacking fasting becomes ensnared by passions and sin. Thus, there is no righteous individual who has attained righteousness without this powerful tool. All who have genuinely repented and radiated holiness in life began their journey through fasting. To dismiss fasting as trivial in our path to salvation is to either deny one’s own sinfulness or resign oneself to despair, remaining in the clutches of guilt without expecting relief from such burdens, contrary to the firm promises of God sealed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of God, which brings salvation to all, instructs us to renounce impiety and worldly desires, leading us to live virtuously, righteously, and with godliness in this present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to rescue us from every lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people eager for good works (Titus 2:11-14). The Holy Church of Jesus Christ, as our Mother in salvation and fervent custodian of her Lord's commandments, offers fasting not as a burden upon her children, but as a remedy for their spiritual maladies, guiding them on the path to purifying and preparing their hearts for worthy participation in the Most Holy and Life-giving Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may, having partaken of these Sacred Mysteries, inherit eternal life. Amen."},{"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 cautioning His disciples against detrimental pride, Jesus instructed them to refrain from performing righteous acts and praying merely to gain public approval or applause. Similarly, He urged that fasting should be conducted discreetly, so as not to attract attention. The Significance of Fasting It has been noted that overindulgence in food and drink can burden the body, cloud the mind, and weaken resolve. These consequences of excess are likely familiar to all of us. Therefore, at times, it becomes essential to practice abstinence from food and drink in order to bring the body under the control of the spirit, particularly when confronting temptation and seeking a deeper awareness of one's sins, self-reflection, and repentance. The nature and duration of abstinence can vary, contingent upon the individual’s capacity for fasting and the intensity of the temptation faced. Ultimately, fasting should serve the purpose of fostering spiritual triumph over a body prone to passion, rather than being performed for the purpose of outward appearance. The Pharisees of that era were notably meticulous in their quest for outward displays of fasting. The Jewish community was accustomed to regular cleansing and anointing, particularly in Palestine's warm climate. However, the Pharisees opted not to wash, disheveled their hair, or anoint themselves, instead donning tattered garments and covering their heads with ashes; all of this was done to attract notice and deceive others with their unusual appearance. Their focus was not on true fasting but rather on the impression they made; those they deceived offered them praise for this perceived holiness, which was the very aim of their hypocrisy. However, Jesus calls His followers to a different kind of fasting. When you fast, do not be somber or dismal, don’t alter your appearance in any way, and strive not to bring attention to yourselves; your fasting is not for others to witness, but for your own benefit, and not in their view, but before your Father in heaven, who observes all your actions in secret and discerns your thoughts. He recognizes your good deeds, prayers, and fasting done privately and will reward you openly. It has been emphasized that Christ’s teachings do not prohibit the open practice of good deeds and prayers as long as they are not performed for human approval; likewise, it does not forbid visible fasting if it is aimed at subduing the body for the spirit, facilitating more effective prayer and repentance, rather than for the sake of human recognition or commendation."}]}
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