The Cause of the Canonisation of John Henry Cardinal Newman

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A Meditation for the Seventeenth Sunday of the Year: the Bread from Heaven

Categorised as Featured and published Friday, July 24th, 2009
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In the following passage from the sermon ‘The Eucharistic Presence’ (1838), Newman reflects on the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. For Newman, Christ’s emphasis on this miracle as a sign of his divine power shows the profound importance of what it signifies – the Christian Eucharist. Do we appreciate this great gift, Newman asks, or rather downplay it?

Our Lord reproves the multitude, for not dwelling on the miracle of the loaves as a miracle, but only as a means of gainingfood for the body. Now observe, this is contrary to what He elsewhere says, with a view of discountenancing the Jews’ desire after signs and wonders. It would seem then as if there must be something peculiar and singular in what He is here setting before them. He generally represses their desire for signs, but here He stimulates it. He finds fault here, because they did not dwell upon the miracle. “Ye seek Me,” He says, “not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled.” [John 6: 26] Now supposing the Eucharistic Gift is a special Sign, the Sign which He meant to give them for ever of His Divine power, this will account for the difference between His conduct on this occasion and on others, it being as unbelieving to overlook signs when given, as to ask for them when withheld. It will account for His bidding them marvel, when about to promise them Bread from heaven. They were but imitating their ancestors in the wilderness. Their ancestors, on the seventh day, went out to gather manna in spite of Moses’ telling them they would not find it. What was this but to look for mere food, and to forget that it was miraculously given, and as such immediately dependent on the Giver? Let me ask, is their conduct in this age very different, who come to the Lord’s Table without awe, admiration, hope; without that assemblage of feelings which the expectation of so transcendent a marvel should raise in us? Let us fear, lest a real, though invisible work of power being vouchsafed to us, greater far than that of the loaves, which related only to this life’s sustenance, we lose the benefit of it by disbelieving it. This reflection is strengthened by finding that St. Paul expressly warns the Corinthians of the great peril of “not discerning the Lord’s Body.” [1 Cor. 11: 29]