ACC ~ Luke 9 v17

ABUNDANCE FOR LASTING LIFE

PRUDENTIUS:

“Place,” he said, “in these twelve baskets all the fragments that remain.”

Thousands at that feast reclining, with abundance had been fed

On the five loaves they had eaten and two fishes multiplied.[1]

You, our bread, our true refection, neverfailing sweetness are.[2]

He can nevermore know hunger, who is at your banquet fed,[3]

Nourishing not our fleshly nature, but imparting lasting life.[4]

HYMNS FOR EVERY DAY 9.58-63.[5]

ABUNDANCE OF THE MIRACLE ENCOURAGES HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: But what was the result of the miracle? It was the satisfying of a large multitude with food. There were as many as five thousand men besides women and children, according to what another of the holy Evangelists has added to the narrative. [1] Nor did the miracle end here. There were also gathered twelve baskets of fragments. And what do we infer from this? A plain assurance that hospitality receives a rich recompense from God. The disciples offered five loaves. After a multitude this large had been satisfied, there was gathered for each one of them a basketful of fragments. Let nothing, therefore, prevent willing people from receiving strangers, no matter what there may be likely to blunt the will and readiness of men. Let no one say, “I do not possess suitable means. What I can do is altogether trifling and insufficient for many.” Receive strangers, my beloved. Overcome that reluctance which wins no reward. The Savior will multiply the little you have many times beyond expectation. Although you give but little, you will receive much. For he that sows blessings shall also reap blessings, [2] according to the blessed Paul’s words. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 48. [3]

ABUNDANCE FROM THE HEAVENLY TABLE

PRUDENTIUS:

God has broken five loaves and two fishes and fed the five thousand

With these foods that satisfy to the fullest their hunger.

Then twice six baskets are filled with the fragments that are left over:

Such is the bounty dispensed from the heavenly table forever.

SCENES FROM SACRED HISTORY 37. [4]

[1] Mt 14:21.

[2] 2 Cor 9:6.

[3] CGSL 215**.

[4] FC 52:191.

JESUS OFFERS HIMSELF AS BREAD OF LIFE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: [Jesus] offers himself as the bread of life to those who believe in him. [1] It is he who came down from heaven and gave life to the world. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 48. [2]

[1] Jn 6:33.

[2] CGSL 216*.

[1]Mt 14:17-20; Mk 6:38-41; Jn 6:9-13.

[2]See Jn 6:56.

[3]See Jn 6:35.

[4]See Jn 6:51-52.

[5]FC 43:64.