The disciples had been busy doing the work of Jesus - teaching and healing. Now Jesus tells them they need to withdraw to a quiet place to rest and reflect by themselves. It is something we all need to do on a regular basis but something we often find difficult to manage. They go off to what they think is a quiet spot. Unfortunately, the crowds saw the boat crossing the lake and, walking along the lakeshore, get to the place before Jesus and His disciples. There goes their day off. And, as Jesus steps ashore and sees the expectant crowds, He is filled with compassion, the compassion of His Father, and immediately begins to teach them at length. He feeds them first with the Word of God. Later He will feed them bread and fish, a symbol of the food that they - and we - really need: God's message of Love and Justice for all.