Our Daily Bread

Next: “Give us this day our bread which is epiousios,” that is, “supersubstantial,” which another evangelist calls “daily.” The first word shows the quality of its nobility and substance, by which it is above all substances, and the height of its grandeur and holiness goes beyond all created things. The second shows the purpose of its use and its value. For where it says “daily,” it shows that without it we cannot live a spiritual life for a single day. Where it says “today,” it shows that it must be received every day, and that yesterday’s supply of it is not enough; it must be given to us today as well in the same way. And our daily need of it suggests that we ought to offer this prayer at all times, because there is no day on which we do not need to strengthen the heart of our inner man by eating and receiving it. The word “today” may also be taken to apply to this present life, that is: “While we are living in this world, supply us with this bread. For we know that you will give it hereafter to those who deserve it, but we ask you to grant it to us today. For unless a person has been allowed to receive it in this life, he will never share in it in that one.” [a]