Pope Shenouda III
     
 Can a person fast but at the same time  not consecrate his fast to God?
 Yes, they are many who fast, but God has  no share  in. For instance, someone may fast while far from God. He  fasts, yet he  does not change, still in weaknesses. A person of high  profile or  authority may even fast as a customary act, lest he should be   embarrassed or for the sake of his reputation. Another may fast purely   for bodily reasons, while the soul has no part in his fast.
 One may fast to parade his ascetic  ability or skill  to abstain from food. A person may abstain from food  for a while and  at the same time indulging in wordily lusts which he  cannot abstain  from!