Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

244 ST. MATTHEW.
ing Christ, as to forget even the necessaries of life.
This is peculiar to his true disciples. He is mind-
ful of their wants himself, when they seek before all
things the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Jesus Christ, his grace, his word, and his body, are
the true bread, without which they would find them-
selves without strength, and faint in the way to
heaven. He does not think of feedhig, till after
he has healed them ; and they submit themselves to
his guidance and direction, without asking any thing
but health and instruction. The conduct of Christ,
and the behaviour of this people, are the pattern of
a wise spiritual director, and of a well-disposed peni-
tent. In the oi>e, there must be tenderness, com-
passion, and mindfulness of what is wanting; in the
other, confidence, docility, patience, and persever-
ance.
V
" 33. And his disciples say unto him. Whence
should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as
to fill so great a multitude?"
Human foresight is very short even in the saints;
it must be supplied by faith. It is the way of the
divine wisdom to make men thoroughly perceive the
greatness of their want, and the necessity of extra-
ordinary succour, before it vouchsafes to afford it.
The world is a wilderness, where nothing is capable
of satisfying the heart of man, except Jesus Christ.
No, Lord, we shall never fear dying of hunger here,
so long as by our faith we can seek, find, possess,
and feed upon thee.
" 34. And Jesus saith unto them, How many
loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few
little fishes.*'