Today’s story both reminds us of what has gone before this episode and gives hints about what is to follow. As it opens, we are told that Jesus’ disciples have been away. As the story ends, the set-up is complete for the account of one of the most famous miracles ever: the feeding of 5,000. In between, and using no more words than are absolutely necessary, St. Mark the evangelist describes both the arrival of people, and the place where they gather, in a way that will give added significance to the feeding miracle, which we will hear next week in St. John’s version. We are told that Jesus instructed His disciples to come away to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. The desert reminds us immediately of the Israelite’s 40 years in the desert. The disciples have not had anything to eat; the Israelites were faced with starvation until God fed them with manna.
Every single image, every single word in this Gospel story has significance. It reminds us of Israel’s history; it recalls the prayer of Israel – which is what the psalms were – and it is like St. Mark wanted his readers to think of the Eucharist. He needed to reassure his readers that the one who shepherded the crowd, who fed those who were hungry and who had compassion on those who lacked a shepherd, is not absent from this world. He continues to be present and to minister to each generation in the same way. It is especially in the Eucharist we celebrate that the Lord who is shepherd, teacher and source of food continues to be present to us today.