Mk 3:7-12
7Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea. 8Hearing 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. 9He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.
10He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 11And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” 12He warned them sternly not to make him known.
Reflection:
A large number of people. Many people follow Jesus, and more come to him. Jesus is well known and accepted. His name has spread quickly, and his ministry is highly successful. People want to see and touch him. And Jesus attends to their needs. He cures many and drives away unclean spirits whom he warns sternly not to make him known.
The large number of people coming to Jesus points to the reality that Jesus needs co-workers in God’s vineyard. Jesus calls us to be his disciples so we can continue his divine mission and share his love and mercy with his people. After we come to Jesus to be touched and healed, let us go back to our community and our family and extend to them God’s forgiveness and peace.
How do we go to Jesus? Is it with humility, contrition, and total self-surrender to him?
Is it just to get something or to be noticed by others?