And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Ver. 23. He went up into a mountain apart to pray] Secret prayer fats the soul, as secret morsels feed the body: therefore is it said to be the banquet of grace, where the soul may solace herself with God, as Esther did with Ahasuerus at the banquet of wine, and have whatsoever heart can wish or need require. Only (because anima dispersa sit minor) get into such a corner, as where we may be most free to call upon God without distraction, remembering our own fickleness, and Satan's restlessness.
When the evening was come, he was there alone] Retire we must sometimes, and into fit places, to meet God, as Balaam did, Numbers 23:15, but to better purpose; solacing ourselves and entertaining soliloquies with him, as Isaac did in the fields, Jacob upon the way, Ezekiel by the river Chebar, Peter upon the leads, Christ here upon the mountain. While the disciples were perilling, and well-nigh perishing, Christ was praying for them: so he is still for us, at the right hand of the Majesty on high.