The Gospels do not tell us much about how Jesus and His disciples provided for themselves on their journeys. Where did they stay? Where did they sleep? How did they support themselves? In today's short passage from Mark, however, there is a tantalizing hint of the world behind the Gospel. Jesus returned to the house. We would love to ask: what house? His home? Some would indeed translate it as "He went home again".

There are so many things we do not know and can never know. But we can be consoled by the fact that the things we do not know are not significant for salvation. Vatican II reminds us that the truth which the Bible contains is precisely salvific truth: the truth that we need to know in order to come to Jesus in faith, hope and love and so enter into salvation.

The response to the Psalm put things in perspective, with its desire to see the face of the Lord. It is not much knowledge about Jesus and the circumstances of His life which will bring us salvation. Erudition does not bring salvation. What is required is a personal relationship with Jesus, which will allow us, within the confines of our human condition, to see in Him the face of God.