The Following Crowds

Et cum audissent turbae, secutae sunt eum pedestres ea civitatibus.  Potest et ita accipi, quod aliam ob causam, audito Joannis interitu, secessit Jesus in desertum locum, ut credentium probaret fidem. Denique turbae secutae sunt eum pedestres de civitatibus, non in jumentis, non in diversis vehiculis, sed proprio labore pedum ut ardorem mentis ostenderent. Si volumus singulorum verborum aperire rationes, propositi operis brevitatem excedimus. Attamen dicendum est transitorie, Illudque notandum quod, postquam Dominus in desertum venerit, secutae sunt turbae multae; nam antequam veniret in solitudines gentium, ab uno tantum populo colebatur. Sanctus Hieronymus, Expositio In Evangelium Matthaei, Liber II Cap XIV Source: Migne PL 26.99b-c

'And when the crowds heard, they followed him on foot from their towns.' 1   It is possible to understand that this happened for another reason, that hearing of the execution of John, Jesus withdrew to a desert place, in order to test the faith of those who believed. For then the crowds followed from their towns, not on animals, nor by the use of varied vehicles, but by the labour of their own feet, that they exhibit the ardor of their souls. Now if we wish to reveal the reason for every word here we shall exceed the proposed brevity of this work, however, it should be noted, that after the Lord went into the desert, many crowds followed Him, for before he came into the wastelands of the Gentiles, He was worshipped by one people alone. Saint Jerome, Commentary On The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Book 2, Chap 14 1 Mt 14.13