GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Feeding Gentiles: Mk 8,1-9
This is the second time Jesus has fed a crowd. We need therefore to make a comparison with the first feeding (6,34-44). Some of the details of the comparison we will meet as we read. A look at Apocalypse 1,11.20 may also help.
What conclusions can we draw from this comparison? A clue is to be aware of where this feeding takes place.
As we begin our reading with verse 1, have a look at Mt 15,32. We can note the size of the crowd; when did the crowd last appear? Is a link made? What part does the crowd play in this episode? What
In verse 2, we find an important difference with 6,34. Who is taking the initiative this time? What is missing from 6,34? It is probably easy to read too much into the three days (such as for example 8,31).
"From afar" in verse 3 is an indicator of the nature of this crowd (note Mt 15,32). See, for example, Is 60.4.9 or Dt 28,49 and also Acts 2,39.
What is the reaction of the disciples in verse 4? See 6,35-37.
We have picked the significance of seven in our first comparison of the two feedings. Likewise for the actions of Jesus in verse 6.
Note how the disciples are involved. Compare verse 7 with 6,41 and Mt 15,36.
Verse 7 then mentions the fish and in verse 8 we have noted already the number of baskets.
In verse 9, we have the dismissal of the crowd as we have seen.
Looking back
We can now go to my response.
We can now continue with the second episode, the boat trip, 8,10-22.