ACC ~ Mark 6 v48b

WHY PASS BY THEM?

AUGUSTINE: When he walked upon the waters, he seems poised to pass by them. For in what way could they have understood this, were it not that he was really proceeding in a different direction from them, as if minded to pass those persons by like strangers, who were so far from recognizing him that they took him to be a ghost? Who, however, is so obtuse as not to perceive that this bears some spiritual significance? At the same time, too, he came to the help of the men in their agitation and outcry, and said to them, “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.” [1] What is the explanation, therefore, of his wish to bypass those persons whom nevertheless he was prepared to encourage when they were in despair? His intent in passing by them was to serve the purpose of eliciting those outcries in response to which he would then come to bring relief. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.47. [2]

[1] Mt 14:27; Mk 6:50; Jn 6:20.

[2] Cetedoc 0273, 2.47.99.206.22; NPNF 1 6:150**.

Mk