Matthew 6:16 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 6:16 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“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 their reward.”

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. The fasting section follows the same structure as giving and prayer: the hypocrites signal their fasting through visible physical suffering (disfiguring their faces, unkempt appearance) to ensure that their discipline is recognized and admired. They have received their reward — the recognition is real and it is all they get. Fasting is intended to be the most private of disciplines, between the practitioner and God alone; public fasting inverts its purpose by making it an act of social display.

Church Fathers on Matthew 6:16

Forasmuch as that prayer which is offered in a humble spirit and contrite heart, shews a mind already strong and disciplined; whereas he who is sunk in self-indulgence cannot have a humble spirit and contrite heart; it is plain that without fasting prayer must be faint and feeble; therefore, when any would pray for any need in which they might be, they joined fasting with prayer, because it is an aid thereof. Accordingly the Lord, after His doctrine respecting prayer, adds…
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

The word, 'exterminare,' so often used in the ecclesiastical Scriptures though a blunder of the translators, has a quite different meaning from that in which it is commonly understood. It is properly said of exiles who are sent beyond the boundry of their country. Instead of this word, it would seem better to use the word, 'demoliri,' 'to destroy,' in translating the Greek. The hypocrite destroys his face, in order that he may feign sorrow, and with a heart full of joy wears…
Jerome · 4th century

For by the pale countenance, the trembling limbs, and the bursting sighs, and by all so great toil and trouble, nothing is in the mind but the esteem of men.
Gregory the Great · 6th century · Mor., viii, 44

Read all 7 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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