| One of the most densely packed New Testament texts is the feeding of the 5,000 that appears (Mk 6:34-46) just after the murder of John the Baptist. The larger setting of the story is clearly one of the "Markan sandwiches." The Twelve are sent out, John is murdered and suddenly the twelve return to Jesus. The mission is brought to an abrupt end as they return at once for consultation. The entire countryside is in an uproar with people "coming and going" (v. 31) from "all the towns" (v. 33) in the province. Only here in the entire New Testament do we read the phrase "coming and going." Everyone wants to know: What does Jesus have to say about the murder of his cousin and what is he planning to do about it? They are not even able to eat (v. 31). Making an astute decision, Jesus tells his disciples, Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while (v. 31). It is time to regroup and reflect on their next move.
Raise voice far and wide all over the earth! Swell glories glad tidings brought on by His birth! Dawn has begun and night's length is ending, ushered by sounds that creation is sending. To us of mere worth. Us who need mending. The day has arrived, 'tis on us at last when all speech and sound are as one and held fast. Long nights of hatred and battles will cease, the bugles have ended, the songs are of peace. Hope like the sun rising out of the sea is rising before us declaring us free from being the lees. From our agony. Keeping us separate since ages of old, From all that has bound us to Satan's strong hold. We join the nations, we sing in accord. The voice of the world is the voice of our Lord. Songs that were sung on the night He was born. The Song that was sung on that predestined morn from our lips has poured, like Gabriel's horn, of Christ who came the hope of the nation, and ushered with Him the dawn of salvation. Stephen Rehrig
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