ACC ~ John 6 v13

THE GIFT OF BREAD THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

ORIGEN: In the Psalms it is written of Joseph, “His hands had served in baskets.” [1] And the disciples of Jesus, the Twelve, I believe, gathered up twelve baskets of the remainder of the broken bread. These baskets were not half filled but full. And with the disciples of Jesus, as the teachers of the multitudes, now and until the end of the world, remain the twelve baskets of fragments of the living Bread that the multitudes could not eat. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 11.2. [2]

[1] Ps 81:6 (80:7 LXX).

[2] SSGF 2:111*; PG 13:908.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE MIRACLE

TERTULLIAN: Such was the greatness of his miracle that he willed the slender supply of food not only to be enough but even to prove superabundant. Here he followed ancient precedent. For in the same way during the famine in Elijah’s time, the scanty and final meal of the widow of Zarephath was multiplied by the blessing of the prophet through-out the period of the famine…. O Christ, even in your novelties you are old! AGAINST MARCION 4.21. [1]

[1] ANF 3:381*.

CHRIST MULTIPLIES OUR GOOD WORKS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Initially the disciples were reluctant to feed the hungry, but seeing this, the Savior gave to them in abundance from the fragments. This teaches us as well, that we, by expending a little for the glory of God, shall receive richer grace according to the saying of Christ, “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.” [1] Therefore, we must not be slothful regarding the communion of love toward our brothers and sisters but rather put away from us, as far as possible, the cowardice and fear that lead to inhospitality. Thus we might be confirmed in hope through steadfast faith in the power of God to multiply even our smallest acts of goodness. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 3.4. [2]

[1] Lk 6:38.

[2] LF 43:330**.