Christ's popularity was at the flood. In a few versos, the evangelist strikingly depicts the general excitement which the presence of the Prophet of Nazareth awakened amidst the thronging and busy population. I. THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE PHYSICIAN AMONG THE PEOPLE, Jesus sometimes retired to desert_ solitudes ; but, for the most part, be chose to live among the people, and t.o be accessible to all classes and to all characters. This might well be his motive for spending so much of his life in the thickly peopled district on the western shores of the Lake of Gennesaret. As the Son of man, Jesus mingled freely with the race he ea.me to save and bless. II. THE SPREAD AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE GOOD TIDINGS. If Jesus was willing to live and. work amongst the inhabitants of this district, they, for their part, were eager to embrace every opportunity of intercourse with him. Not that they were generally influenced by high motives that they resorted to him as to a spiritual teacher. It is e,ident that the interest felt in Jesus was very largely owing to his power and willing- ness to heal the sick and suffering. But, from whatever motive, it is of the highest importance that the children of men should be led to interest themselves in Christ. The tidings that Jesus is the Saviour of the world deserve to be published far and wide, o.s the best news for all mankind. !IL THE AGENCY EMPLOYED TO BRING THE NEEDY INTO THE PRESENCE OF THE SAVIOUR, As we read the vigorous language of the evangelist, we seem to see the eager, kind- hearted people, the peasantry and the fishermen, hurrying throughout the district, seeking out all the diseased and infirm, carrying them on their couches to the places where Jesus is expected, and layinp; them in the open spaces, that they may be brought under the notice of the mighty and benevolent physician. IV. THE CONTACT OF THE PATIENTS WITH THE PHYSICIAN. 'fhe healing looked for was e!Tected, not by means and instruments, but by the great Healer himself. Accordingly, what the snfferers desired was, to lay hold upon Jesus, or even upon the hem or fringe of his garment. An indication this of the method of the sinner's salvation. 'l'o come to Christ, and spiritually to lay hold upon him,-such ill the condition of securing all the Llessings which Jesus brings to man. V. THE EXPERIENCE OF HEALING. It mattered not how many came, by whom they were brought, in what place they encountered Jesus, from what disease they suffered; " as many as touched him were made whole." There is no limitation to the healing power or to the healing grace of lmma.nueL He is "mighty to save;" he saves "to the uttermost;., and his salvation is perfect and eternal. APPLICATION. 1. This narrative reminds the sinner where to look for deliverance- to Christ, and Christ a.lone. 2. This narrative sets before us the office of the Church; it is to bring sinful souls to the one Divine, almighty Saviour.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-6.-Jesus visiting his own country. By going thither- L RB GRATIFIED A HUMAN YEABNING. In a previous chapter he is reported to have asked, "Who is my mother and my brethren?" He now shows that those broad human relations he ha.d claimed did not imply the neglect of nearer ones, or indiJforence to them. lie sought to benefit his own people in the highest way, even whilst he would not suffer the na1row claims of his home to interfere with the wider claims of his kingdom. Have we so interpreted home relations, patriotism, local at.tachment, social ties? II. HE ILLUSTRATED AFRESH AN OLD AND FAMILIAR EXPERIENCE, I. He was one of many yet by him,elf even in this. 2. One of the greatest of griefs to a pious spirit, to be hina:,.ed from doing go«l and conferring benefit. 3. .d greater humiliation than his human birth, because a moral one consciously experienced. . IIL HE EXHIBITED DIVINE MERCY. 1. Past offences were forgiven. 2. Although conscio'U8 of ref;triction because of their unbelief and indijfei·en~, he still persisted in hi, work, of mercy.-M. Vera. 2, 6.-TJ,e twofold wonder awakened by the gospel. I. IN MEN, 1. Because o/ wntrast between the apparent origin and the Divine pretensions of Ghrist, Z, Because of on. VI, 1-56.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATIK. 251