16. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the
hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may
appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
"Disfigurement of the face" is an artificial discoloration of the
face, painting it pale, so that one does not appear as he really is, but feigns
mournfulness.
17-18. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint
thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto
thy Father Who is in secret: and thy Father Who seeth in secret shall reward
thee openly. Men of old would anoint themselves with oil after bathing as a
mark of their joy and well-being. So you also, O reader, should appear joyful
when you fast. The oil used to anoint we also understand to mean almsgiving.
Our Head is Christ, Which we should anoint with deeds of mercy; and our face,
that is our senses, we should wash with tears of repentance.
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