So much is packed into Mark’s gospel throughout, but especially at the part reflected  in the section in today’s liturgy. Jesus is deep into proclaiming the message of God’s Kingdom; the disciples accompany him in this swirling activity. They are models for us in growing in faith, hope and love. 

St. Mark’s gospel highlights Jesus and the disciples engaged in bringing God’s Kingdom to the people in Galilee.  The disciples were engaged in a whirlwind of activity.  The Gospel tells us that Jesus had just enabled the crowd to eat, all five thousand of them!

Then as Jesus is dismissing the crowd, he told the disciples to set off by water to the opposite of the sea. As they make their way the waters are roiled by an angry sea.  Jesus approaches them walking on the frightening waves. They shout, but Jesus tells them to fear; he was there for them.  He shows that by quieting the angry sea.  The twelve are now safe with Jesus at their side.

When the beleaguered disciples finally are landed and tied up the boat, the people immediately recognized Jesus, and they set out to find the sick in the area and bring them to Jesus for healing.

Putting ourselves in the shoes of the fishermen, we can imagine the dizzying pace and what they were confronted with: Jesus exercising a godly control over the natural world in feeding the 5,000; Jesus walking on water; calming the storm!  So much to take in all at once.

No wonder that Mark tells us that Jesus noting their freight, confronted them because they “did not understand” the feeding of the 5,000.  There would be much more astounding experiences they would encounter as they continued to follow Jesus.
It is easy to identify with the disciples.  Their senses are inundated by mind-boggling events.  But quickly they were called on to accompany Jesus as he healed the sick wherever they were and be with him in his preaching God’s goodness.  The people trusted that they’d be healed if they “only touch the tassel of his cloak.”  The disciples watch Jesus healing them of their ailments.

Gracious healer, come to us in our need.  Like your close friends, we are astounded by your goodness.  We, like them, don’t understand.  Keep us attentive to how you guide us into service. Like them, help us to live with the wonders we encounter and be bold in following you on your path of healing.