A large number of people followed
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).
First reading • 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7
When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang:
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David.
Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.”
Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” So Jonathan summoned
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.