So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place — the departure by boat to a solitary place is the same pattern as the storm-crossing of chapter 4 and the Gerasene mission of chapter 5. The boat is the vehicle of transition; the solitary place is the intended destination. The disciples depart expecting rest; what they find is the crowd that has followed them on foot, and the feeding miracle that will emerge from the encounter. The retreat that Jesus intended will be interrupted by the needs of the crowd, and the interruption will become the occasion for the most significant miracle since the Exodus.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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