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Gospel Mark 6:53-56
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.
Reflection: As soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, the people “immediately recognized him.” Jesus and the Twelve had spent the previous day on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the remote territory near Bethsaida where they planned to be alone. When they arrived there, however, the crowds were waiting for them, so Jesus preached to thousands of people and then performed the miraculous feeding of five thousand.
Afterward, Jesus sent the Twelve ahead of Him toward Capernaum, but the wind blew the disciples off course to the agricultural and fishing land of Gennesaret, a few miles south of Capernaum. It was during that nighttime sea voyage that Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea.
Was it by accident that Jesus and the disciples arrived in Gennesaret rather than Capernaum? Likely not. Divine Providence guided everything Jesus did. The Father willed that Jesus minister to the people of that region, which He did with great power. The fact that the people immediately recognized Jesus speaks to their deep faith and spiritual sensitivity. Their recognition went beyond physical familiarity; their faith told them that He was the Messiah. As soon as they saw Him, their hearts were stirred. They gathered in great numbers, bringing many who were sick to Him and quickly sent word to the nearby villages to come quickly, for Jesus was there.
Unlike the people of Nazareth, the people along the shore of the Sea of Galilee quickly manifested faith in Jesus. As a result, Jesus’ miracles were numerous. Another sign that their faith was authentic was that the people did not act selfishly, trying to keep Jesus to themselves. Instead, their attention turned to those who needed Him the most, especially the sick and lame. This demonstrates the connection between faith and charity. True faith inspires an outpouring of love for others. We are not only grateful to God for the grace we receive, but we also immediately think of those in need—both those we know and others God places in our lives—and draw them to Jesus as well.
Significantly, the people begged Jesus to let them “touch only the tassel on his cloak” (Mark 6:56). In the Torah, God commanded Moses to instruct the people to “make tassels for the corners of their garments, fastening a violet cord to each corner.” The tassels were meant to be a constant reminder of the Ten Commandments and their commitment to obey that covenant (cf. Numbers 15:37–41). Therefore, by touching the tassels Jesus wore in obedience to the Torah, the people were touching something sacred to them, worn by Him Who, as God, gave the people the Torah. By touching the tassels, the people not only honored the Torah but also reached out to its fulfillment in Jesus. Though they might not have fully understood what they were doing, their faith compelled them and they responded.
Though today’s Gospel is short, it is packed with faith, revealing numerous people flocking to Jesus with eagerness and divine hope. These people teach us how we must react to God’s presence in our lives.
Reflect today on the people of the land of Gennesaret who, upon recognizing Jesus in faith, “scurried about the surrounding country,” gathering many others who reached out in faith to touch the tassels Jesus wore. Consider whether you recognize Jesus’ presence when you encounter Him. Do you recognize Him in the Eucharist, in your prayer, and in the people you encounter daily? When you do, do you immediately think of ways you can help bring others to Jesus? Do you reach out in faith, touching Jesus’ tassels, believing with all certainty that His divine power will heal your soul and cure your weaknesses? Imitate these good people of Gennesaret, and Jesus’ almighty power will flow generously into your life, just as it did to them.
Most miraculous Lord, Your generosity knows no bounds when Your people seek You out in faith. Just as the people of Gennesaret recognized You in faith, You call me to do the same. I pray that I will always seek You out, and when I find You, will draw others to You. Jesus, I trust in You.
