Mark 6:53-56 NRSVue
53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
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Reflection on Mark 6:53-56
Inspiration from 2026-02-09 Daily Prayer
In many gospel accounts, it’s clear that people’s individual faith played a significant role in determining whether their encounters with Jesus would be fruitful or not. It’s likely to be the same with us. ‘Lord, I believe, help my unbelief’ might be our watch-cry today.
Further reflection
Is there some sickness or troubledness that I want Jesus to heal me of? Can I put myself among the many in this scene who need healing? Jesus is offering that healing. Can I accept it from him?
Sick people can recognise goodness and sincerity when they see it. Maybe that's why they went in crowds to Jesus, as well as hoping for a cure. Something of the divine went out from him, something that can lift us to hope and courage in bad times. In prayer we bring that 'sick' side and weak side of ourselves to God, knowing it is never untouched by our prayer.
Mark's references to concrete terms like "straw mats," "begging," and touching the fringe of his cloak," remind us of earlier miracles of Jesus. Mark's story is replete with actions and movements: a boat is moored; people run; they bring the sick to any place where Jesus is. Enter meditatively into the scene: see the persons, watch what they do, see what the Lord is saying to you.
Having withdrawn for some quiet time apart, Jesus is ready to answer the needs of the people. I think of how I may need to find the correct balance between prayer and activity.
The people rushed to Jesus with their needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe I need to follow their example - recognising Jesus and bringing to him what in me is in need of healing.