ACC ~ John 6 v26

JESUS’ REPROACH

CHRYSOSTOM: And when he was about to enter into stubborn and disobedient Capernaum, he worked the miracle of the loaves because he wanted to soften their disobedience, not only by what took place within the city but also by those [miracles] done outside the city. For this should have been enough to soften even the hardest [heart] of stone, as is evidenced in the multitudes who flocked to that city [because of the miracles]. And yet their hearts are calloused, looking again for food for the body, which is why Jesus reproaches them. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 43.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:156**.

SATISFYING THE FLESH INSTEAD OF THE SPIRIT

AUGUSTINE: It is as if he said, “You seek me to satisfy the flesh, not the Spirit.” How many seek Jesus for no other objective than to get some kind of temporal benefit! One has a business that has run into problems, and he seeks the intercession of the clergy; another is oppressed by someone more powerful than himself, and he flies to the church. Another desires intervention with someone over whom he has little influence. One person wants this, and another person wants that. The church is filled with these kinds of people! Jesus is scarcely sought after for his own sake…. Here too he says, you seek me for something else; seek me for my own sake. He insinuates the truth that he himself is that food… “that endures to eternal life.” TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 25.10. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:163**.

Jn