[irishpipes]

Thanks, HC, for the apology. I did read it as a criticism to all of us who fast. Obviously, fasting - especially one day a week - is nothing compared to the suffering and sacrifice that Christ made for us, but it still serves a purpose to those of us who participate. First, it is a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and also a prompt to pray and seek penance. I remember at work on days that I fasted, I would become completely absorbed in my work projects and then when my stomach would start growling I would switch gears and take a moment to think about the fast and the reason for it.

For those whom you directed your criticism toward - their fasting should not have been made obvious to you. As Jesus says in Matthew chapter 6:

16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."