“They hastened there on foot”
In the gospel reading it seems as if everyone is coming to see Jesus. The apostle’s return andthe people from all over the local towns went after Jesus with great haste.
What were the apostles doing before returning to Jesus? The Apostles are returning from their mission that Jesus had set them out to do; to have authority over unclean spirits, preach repentance, and cure the sick. [1] In the first reading we hear of the prophecy of God multiplying the flock. He then said, “I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble” [2] The apostles were the first shepherds appointed by Christ. Today, our Bishops are the ones who shepherd us. We do not need to fear or tremble because God is always with us in many ways, one of which is the Church and the Bishops.
It is also interesting to note this is the only time in Mark’s gospel he uses the word “apostles” to address the twelve. Why did he use “apostle” this time? It was for two reasons: First, because Mark had just written the word “disciple” in regards to St. John the Baptist’s disciples [3] and he did not want to confuse any readers. The other reason is that the word apostle or “apostoloi” means “those sent out”. [4] This is exactly what Jesus had them do.
What moved people to approach Jesus? “The goodness and benevolence with which He met the penitent sinners. Do you also humble and trusting approach Him, and you may rest assured that, even if you are the greatest of sinners, you will receive grace and forgiveness.” [5] There was also a great restlessness within their souls. St. Augustine said, “our heart is restless until it rests in you.” As mentioned above, in the first reading today, God prophesied through Jeremiah that He would gather the scattered flock, “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply.” [6] In the Gospel reading we see the scatter flock coming to Christ. This seeking began with the twelve apostles and a few followers of both Jews and Gentiles. Today, the seeking continues as the Church has grown to over a billion members. The Church is the Body of Christ, to whom the vast crowd may approach. The vast crowd needs only to go to their local Catholic Church, which is the universal sacrament of salvation, to find Christ and salvation. “Christ, having been lifted up from the earth has drawn all to Himself. Rising from the dead He sent His life-giving Spirit upon His disciples and through Him has established His Body which is the Church as the universal sacrament of salvation.” [7]
Why were the people moving at great haste? The people came in a hurry because they were hungry to know the Truth. When we find the truth in Jesus Christ we are at peace. They were like sheep going after their shepherd. They heard the truth and they did not want to leave it. The responsorial psalm says, “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.” [8] The people who ran after Jesus were not in fear of anything because they knew that God would take care of it all. We too should run after Christ in all things, putting our trust in Him alone. “We should listen with great zeal to the word of God, because from it man receives the life of the soul (Mt. 4:4), and eternal happiness (Lk. 11:28). [9]
[1] cf. Mk. 6:6b-13
[2] Jer. 23:4
[3] Mk 6:29
[4] St. Jerome Commentary 42:37
[5] The Church’s Year pg. 350
[6] Jer. 23:3
[7] Lumen Gentium; 48
[8] Psalm 23:4
[9] The Church’s Year pg. 352