Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 15, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 2/15/26
Dear Parishioners,
On the final Sunday before Lent, our readings remind us of commandments. God’s infinite wisdom has given us laws that enable us to live a good, righteous life. Since we enter Lent later this week, today is a good opportunity to ask ourselves how we are keeping ... Read More »
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 8, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 2/10/26
Dear Parishioners,
During the long winter we become keenly aware of the value of sunshine. The sun rises later in the morning and sets earlier in the afternoon, quite often it’s gray and cloudy all day. Today we hear Jesus tell his disciples that they are to shine their ... Read More »
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 1, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/29/26
Dear Parishioners,
It is difficult to imagine a more countercultural way for Jesus to begin the first of his five sermons, the sermon on the Mount, that make up Matthew’s Gospel. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” At that time, and as ... Read More »
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 25, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/22/26
Dear Parishioners,
Interestingly, when Jesus begins his mission and goes out to call disciples, he does not go to Jerusalem, to the temple, or to a synagogue at all. No, he goes down to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. As he told religious authorities later, he came ... Read More »
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 18, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/17/26
Dear Parishioners,
Today’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist’s bold proclamation, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” But John goes on to confess twice that at first, he did not know him. Even though the whole reason he called on people ... Read More »
The Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/08/26
Dear Parishioners,
On this final day of the Christmas season we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We hear in dramatic fashion of Jesus rising from the waters of the River Jordan, the heavens opening before him, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and a ... Read More »
Epiphany - January 4, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the Epiphany of the Lord, we commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was made manifest to the wider world. The magi, the three Kings, who were not Jewish and not from the region, were guided by the star which eventually led them, to Bethlehem. There they ... Read More »
The Holy Family - December 28, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
On the Sunday after Christmas, we honor the Holy Family and hold them up as a model for our families from the start. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had to deal with hardships, uncertainty, and even danger, but together they placed their trust in God and grew ever ... Read More »
4th Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/20/25
Dear Parishioners,
How appropriate that we hear this Gospel on the shortest day of the year, the day with the least amount of sunlight. Joseph's hopes and dreams must have seemed bleak when he realized that his betrothed was found with child. But just as the winter solstice turns ... Read More »
3rd Sunday of Advent - December 14, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/15/25
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called Gaudete Sunday. A time to rejoice, for we know, with eyes of faith, that the Lord is near. We can sense his presence even as we prepare for the celebration of his coming to us as a newborn infant ... Read More »