Today, as I was reflecting on the principles of fasting, I remembered an experience I had while I was still in high school. I was working part-time at a grocery store, and often carried out groceries for a minister of another religion. I went to school with his children and liked him fine except that I knew that he went out of his way to bash Mormons in his weekly religion column in the local newspaper. Periodically, we would talk and disagree about points of doctrine but it was all good-natured. One day, he comes in looking absolutely terrible, pale and lifeless. He made a big scene in the store about how he was beginning his 40-day fast. I asked him why he was buying food then. He responded by saying he was allowed to eat after sundown. I thought that was kind of a cheap way to fast for 40 days, plus it bothered me that he was drawing so much attention to himself, so as I was taking his groceries out to the car I quoted the scripture to him that said,
“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." I can't believe what a tactless teenager I was then (okay, it's not that big a stretch). Anyway, I could tell it really hit him hard. He never came to the store looking like that again, but was his usual outgoing personality. We never spoke of it again, though I think that might of figured in to him sprinkling me with Holy Water (but that's another story). I realize now that I gained a measure of respect for the man that day, as he was able to accept a reproof from the unlikeliest of sources---a know it all teenager.
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