Formerly there was Baptism, in an
obscure way, in the cloud and in the sea; now, however, in full view, there is
regeneration in water and in the Holy Spirit. Formerly, in an obscure way,
there was manna for food; now, however, in full view, there is the true food,
the Flesh of the Word of God, as He Himself says: “my Flesh is truly good, and
My Blood is truly drink.” (Origen, Homilies on Numbers 7.2, c. A.D. 244, in The
Faith of the Early Fathers, 3 vols. [trans. William A. Jurgens;
Collegeville, Minn.: The Liturgical Press, 1970], 1:206)
