“And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.”
But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them — the crowd's ability to get there ahead of the boat suggests that the boat traveled a short distance around a point of land while the crowd ran the shorter land route. The recognized them communicates that Jesus and the disciples are sufficiently well known that their departure is noticed and responded to immediately. The crowds don't wait for the planned teaching; they run ahead to be there when Jesus arrives. The rest that was planned will not happen — but what replaces it will feed thousands.
Church Fathers on Mark 6:33
For they return to the fountain-head whence the streams flow; those who are sent by God, always offer up thanks for those things which they have received.
Let us also learn, when we are sent on any mission, not to go far away, and not to overstep the bounds of the office committed, but to go often to him, who sends us, and report all that we have done and taught; for we must not only teach but act.
Not only do the Apostles tell the Lord what they themselves had done and taught, but also His own and John’s disciples together tell Him what John had suffered, during the time that they were occupied in teaching, as Matthew relates.
Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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