15. Give us this day our substantial
bread. This common bread is not substantial bread, but this
Holy Bread is substantial, that is, appointed for the substance of the
soul “It is manifest
that the author derives the word ἐπιούσιος from the
two words ἐπί and οὐσία, as do many others:
although the explanation which derives it from ἐπιούσῃ
ἡμέρᾳ is more probable. We
render it “substantial” in accordance with Cyril’s
meaning, with which the word “super-substantial does not
agree” (Ben. Ed.).. For this Bread goeth not
into the belly and is cast out into the draught Matt. xv. 17., but is distributed into thy whole system
for the benefit of body and soul Cat. xxii. § 3,
note 1. Ben. Ed. “We are not to think that Cyril supposed
the Body of Christ to be distributed and digested into our body; but in
the usual way of speaking he attributes to the Holy Body that which
belongs only to the species under which It is hidden. Nor does he
deny that those species pass into the draught, but only the Body of
Christ.” Cf. Iren. V. ii. 2, 3, and “Eucharistic
Doctrine” in the Introduction.. But by
this day, he means, “each day,” as also Paul said,
While it is called to-day Heb. iii. 15..