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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Let us learn therefore ourselves also to wait upon Jesus; but not for His bounty in things sensible, lest we be upbraided like the Jews. For "ye seek me," saith He, "not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." Therefore neither doth He work this miracle continually, but a second time only; that they might be taught not to be slaves to their belly, but to cling incessantly to the things of the Spirit. …
Cyril of Alexandria
We will say something common, yet worn by little use. Great teachers are often wont to be not slightly angry, when they are questioned about vain and useless matters. And we shall find them so, not out of haughtiness, but rather from annoyance at the folly of the questioners. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Therefore the Lord also reproaches them. "You," He says, "seek Me because you ate bread, and then you cling to Me so that I might feed you again." Notice: although He exposes them, nevertheless He does not employ a harsh rebuke. He did not say "you are gluttons and voracious," but spoke gently. For He rebukes them with the desire to correct them and through the revelation of the secrets of their hearts to lead them to greater faith. That the purpose of His rebuke was correction is evident from what follows. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"Jesus answered them, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw miracles, but because ye did eat of my bread, and were filled." Ye seek me for the sake of the flesh, not for that of the Spirit. How many there are that seek Jesus with no other aim than to gain some temporal benefit! …
Gregory the Dialogist
In their persons too our Lord condemns all those within the holy Church, who, when brought near to God by sacred Orders, do not seek the recompense of righteousness, but the interests of this present life. To follow our Lord, when filled with bread, is to use Holy Church as a means of livelihood; and to seek our Lord not for the miracle's sake, but for the loaves, is to aspire to a religious office, not with a view to increase of grace, but to add to our worldly means.
Bede
They too seek Jesus, not for Jesus' sake, but for something else, who ask in their prayers not for eternal, but temporal blessings.
Translation