Matthew 6:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

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.

By 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.

Christ'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).

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.

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.

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).

The 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.

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.

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.