In this context, fasting is not a punishment but a blessing

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

In this context, fasting is not a punishment but a blessing.

Confessor fathers used to impose as a sever form of punishment for their spiritual sons, to break their fast early, to eat meat or appetising foods. This was done in order to abase their spiritual son’s proud heart that thinks of itself to have become a hermit or an ascetic. He would thus bring down his arrogance by making him eat and feel abased to rid him of thoughts of vain glory.