ACC ~ Mark 8 v9

WHETHER FOUR OR FIVE THOUSAND

JEROME: From the lesser number of men [four thou-sand [1] ], less remains; from the greater number [five thousand [2] ], more is left over. [3] Four thousand men—fewer certainly in number, but greater in faith. The one who is greater in faith eats more, and because he does, there is less left over! I wish that we, too, might eat more of the hardy bread of holy writ, so that there would be less left over for us to learn. TRACTATE ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK, HOMILY 78. [4]

[1] Cf. Mk 8:9.

[2] Cf. Mk 6:44.

[3] This spiritual-numerological interpretation was suggested to Jerome as he puzzled over the difference between four and five thousand reported in the varied accounts.

[4] Cetedoc 0594, 4.43; FC 57:153*. As less is left over by the greater level of consumption, so those who eat more heartily of the Word have less remaining over which yet to puzzle.

Mk