When the crowd caught sight of Jesus, Mark tells us in very simple words without further elaboration that they were all "overcome with awe". Usually the reaction of the crowds to Jesus was to bring their sick or invalid friends to Jesus, as indeed on this occasion there was a man hoping for a cure for his son. The fact that Mark chose to speak of the crowd's awe may perhaps indicate that some of the aura of the Transfiguration still appeared in Jesus, something like Moses' shining countenance when he came down from Mount Sinai after conversing with God (Exodus 34:29-35).

The Gospels often record that Jesus was an awesome figure in many ways and people were astonished at his teaching and his miracles (Mt 7:28; 9:8; 12:23 etc.). Lk 13:17 speaks about the crowds rejoicing at the way Jesus refuted his enemies. Let us keep alive in our hearts our wonder at the teaching of Jesus and let us rejoice in his salvation. May his presence always transfigure our lives in faith and hope and love.