Job 29:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When a preacher faces scorn, they may experience slight frustration, or they may be tempted toward self-importance if they gain admiration. Hence, even the Apostles needed to cleanse their feet, as though wiping off the dust accumulated from their labor, recalling that "My brethren, not many of you should become teachers...for we all stumble in many ways" (James 3:1-2). Thus, feet washed with oil reflect the cleansing that comes from good works able to remove the dust of imperfections in preaching. Alternatively, 'feet washed with oil’ may also refer to the assistance provided to holy preachers by their listeners and the rewards of their preaching manifested in the good conduct of their disciples. The holy preachers do not seek assistance primarily for personal gain; instead, they are supported by the disciples to continue their preaching mission. Their work is not conducted solely to benefit from assistance, but the ministry of aiding the disciples is meant to support the effectiveness of their preaching. Thus, faithful preachers do not preach primarily for their sustenance but rather, receive sustenance in exchange for their preaching. When gifts are bestowed upon those who preach, such gifts are not seen as rewards for their goodness but as acknowledgments of their labor. Paul expresses this notion clearly: "Not that I desire a gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit" (Phil. 4:17). A 'gift' refers to the tangible offering itself, whereas 'fruit' signifies the future reward associated with that offering when given with goodwill. We acknowledge the item received as a gift while cherishing its blessings in our hearts. Consequently, since the Apostle was supported by the kindness of his followers, he emphasizes he is seeking 'not for a gift, but for fruit,' and he promptly adds, "I have received everything in full." Therefore, 'feet washed with oil' represents how holy preachers are, as stated, invigorated by the good works of their disciples, refreshing like oil for their weary feet. For it is through those who listen to them that their spiritually tired preachers find renewal, just as the hearts of the saints are revived (Philemon 1:7). The ‘feet washed with oil’ may also refer to those in chains, as expressed, "May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains" (2 Tim. 1:16). Thus, when we interpret these words from the voice of the Head, we rightfully see 'feet' as symbolizing preachers. However, viewed solely from the perspective of the Body, the feet represent the servants who engage in laborious tasks, providing for external needs, yet remain grounded in earthly existence. The leaders, who guide them, must diligently care for their spiritual welfare and, through consistent instruction, guide them toward spiritual richness that they cannot attain on their own. Just as the members of a single body are interconnected, the external parts are supported by the internal, which nourishes them. Therefore, when those serving in humble ministries hear the preaching of our incarnate Lord, they 'wash the feet with oil' of the words directed at those who bear the brunt of life's rigorous journey. It is indeed challenging to navigate earthly trials without sustaining wounds along the way. Furthermore, when scripture revisits the hearts of listeners preoccupied with worldly troubles, reminding them that they can repent for their shortcomings, 'they wash their feet with oil' through the healing offered by penance. In her affliction, the Holy Church should remember how, during her periods of peace, she reached out to all her members with exhortative words, saying, "When I washed my feet with oil."

INTERPRETATION OF THE ALLEGORY

While honoring the truth of history, let us now turn once more to the voice of the Holy Church as expressed through the words of the blessed Job, conveying the challenges she will face in the latter days, while reflecting on her earlier states, when simply through the riches of the Word, many lives were transformed. Moreover, recognizing the depth of her preachers, she adds, "And the rock exuded streams of oil for me" (Job 29:6). The term 'rock' signifies Christ, as affirmed by the great preacher, who states that "the rock is Christ" (1 Cor. 10:4). Thus, 'the Rock that flows with streams of oil' for the Holy Church refers to Him, for the Lord, speaking through her, imparts inner anointing. The 'Rock that exudes rivulets of oil' signifies the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Across this world, through abundant preaching, 'the rock has poured forth many streams of oil' from the mouths of the apostles. Even now, 'streams of oil continue to flow from that rock' whenever understanding is illuminated in the hearts of listeners through the Holy Spirit's anointing, revealing truths about Christ from ancient scriptures. These are termed 'streams of oil' as they flow to bring anointing, and the anointed are likewise enriched within. Indeed, of this inner richness, the Psalmist declares, "Let my soul be satisfied as with marrow and oil" (Psalms 62:6). The term 'oil' may also represent the very anointing of the Holy Spirit, as indicated by the prophet, "And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27). By this anointing, we are liberated from the chains of our captivity; as we shake off the proud dominion of evil, the burdens that once constrained our liberty break away. It is further said of this oil, "My Beloved made a vineyard on a very fruitful hill, a ‘child of oil’" (Isaiah 5:1). 'Child of oil' identifies the faithful who are nourished in faith toward God through the inner anointing of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in times when the Holy Church endures numerous trials, let her recall the gifts of the Spirit and the wondrous sermons she has experienced and let her mourn her own silence, saying, "The rock has poured out streams of oil for me." And to these words, he rightly adds: