2 The “seven loaves” signify the seven-fold operation of the Holy Spirit; the “four thousand men,” the Church established on the four Gospels; “the seven baskets of fragments,” the perfection of the Church. For by this number very constantly is perfection figured. For whence is that which is said, “seven times in a day will I praise you”? Does a man sin who does not praise the Lord so often? What then is “seven times will I praise,” but “I will never cease from praise”?
For he who says “seven times,” signifies all time. Whence in this world there are continual revolutions of seven days. What then is “seven times in a day will I praise You,” but what is said in another place, “His praise shall always be in my mouth”? With reference to this perfection, John writes to seven Churches. The Apocalypse is a book of St. John the Evangelist; and he writes “to seven Churches.” Be hungered; own ye these baskets. For those fragments were not lost; but seeing that you too belong to the Church, they have surely profited you.
In that I explain this to you, I minister to Christ; and when you hear peaceably, you “sit down.” I in my body sit, but in my heart I am standing, and ministering to you in anxiety; lest perhaps, not the food, but the vessel offend any of you. You know the feast of God, you have often heard it, that it is for the heart, not for the belly.
Source: Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament (New Advent)