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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

A large number of people followed

Opinion

A large number of people followed

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Jesus embarks on the second phase of his ministry.

In stark contrast to previous hostility of the Jewish religious authorities, Jesus is described as popular among the general populace by his healing touch and power over the demonic forces. The frenzy of the crowd pressing upon him reveals a certain chaotic condition reminiscent of a world influenced by evil, but Jesus rises from the situation with his authority that even the unclean spirits recognize him as the “Son of God.”

The narrative describes the sizable crowd that follows him: Jewish people from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, with the mixture of non-Jews (Gentiles) from Galilee and as far as the coastal cities Tyre and Sidon.

The proclamation of the Kingdom goes forth to the borders and the confines of the world. In this light, Pope Francis enjoins us to be a Church which “goes forth,” a Church whose doors are open, going out to others in order to reach the fringes of humanity (Evangelii Gaudium, 46).

Gospel • Mark 3:7-12 7

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.

A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.

And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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