Catholic Scripture Manual on Mark 6:53-56

Text in red are my additions.

53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Genezareth, and set to the shore.

into the land of Genesareth. A plain on the north- western shore of the lake of Genesareth (i.e., Sea of Galilee), about three miles long and one wide. It has a most rich vegetation and a very warm climate, being 500 feet below the sea-level. All kinds of fruits, grapes, figs, dates, olives, etc. abound there.

set to the shore: moored the boat. St John tells us they disembarked at Capharnaum. In Mark 6:45 Jesus had instructed the disciples to precede him to Bethsaida. These differences vex scholars but the reader should keep in mind that none of the gospels claims to be presenting a strictly chronological presentation of Jesus’ ministry. Recall for example that Luke narrates Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth before any other event in his public ministry, fully aware that events in his ministry had preceded it (Lk 4:16-30, especially verses 23) It’s possible that they did first land in Bethsaida and then visited other cities on the lake, including the land of Genesareth, but Mark has skipped some of the itinerary.

54 And when they were gone out of the ship, immediately they knew him:

immediately they knew him. It was morning, and the people who were on the shore recognised Jesus.

55 And running through that whole country, they began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

running through the whole country. St Mark s usual graphic style. See Mark 6:32-33.

56 And whithersoever he entered, into towns or into villages or cities, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

hem of his garment. Doubtless the miracle of the healing of the woman with an issue of blood had been noised abroad. In addition, Orientals believe that the contact with a holy person brings grace and blessing.

as many as touched, etc. This proves they had faith in Christ’s power to heal them.

The crowds gathering to Jesus in both the country and the cities is a common markan motif (Mk 1:32-34; 3:7-10, 20; 4:1, 5:21).

Besought him that they might touch the hem of his garment. The experience of the hemorrhaging woman (Mk 5:27-28) was not unique.