Jesus is becoming very popular with the crowds. He really is 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in a world where there were no movies or TV. On a day when Jesus withdraws with his disciples to a quiet place, perhaps to have some time together, there is no escape. "Great crowds" follow him there, some of them from very long distances, such as Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast. There were so many people that Jesus had to get into a boat offshore to avoid being crushed. He had healed so many that there was a real danger of his being crushed. The huge need of the people to touch Jesus and experience his healing is obvious. Even the evil spirits bowed down in adoration - "You are the Son of God!" Indeed Jesus is the visible Presence of God among them bringing them, through healing and liberation the tender love that God has for each one. In the story, the boat is another symbol of the Church and let us so live our lives that our church, our parish may be a source of healing both for its members and all those who come in contact with it.