Ash Wednesday is upon us - - as we undertake our fast today lets us remember the words of Jesus in regards to fasting. The following passage is from the Gosple of Matthew Chapter 6, it is towards the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
For a summary of the who, when, and how of fasting see the blog post from March 3rd entitled "Why Do I Have to Fast?"
