Pope Shenouda III
Vanquishing the body
While fasting, say to the body: “Let go of the soul and release it from your bonds that it may delight in God. You fast that your soul may be released from the bonds of the body. Desire for food is one of these bonds. These are also other ties such as bodily lusts.
Defeating the body through fasting, is also accomplished by staying away from marital relationships, provided it is done "with consent.” (1 Cor 7:5). As the Prophet Joel says about fasting, “Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room.” (Joel 2:16), and as was said about king Darius when he cast Daniel into the den, he “spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him.” (Dan 6:18).
Even the mere adornment of the body was referred to by the Prophet Daniel in his fast. He said: “nor did I anoint myself at all“ and “till three whole weeks were fulfilled.“ and “I ate no pleasant food.” (Dan 10:3)
