Browsing the December 2019 archive of Thoughts from Fr. Bob
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/26/19
The Sunday after Christmas is dedicated to the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We might think they are too remote, too special, too holy to be an effective model for our families. But, just like our families, they enjoyed good times, but also suffered ... Read More »
Advent 4
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/18/19
With just three days to go until Christmas, the kind of preparation we may be focused on may have little to do with Jesus’ birthday. Let us take this opportunity to focus on the true gift of Christmas. A virgin will bear a son, in the line of David, ... Read More »
Gaudete Sunday
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/12/19
Today is Gaudete Sunday. A Latin word meaning rejoice because the Lord is near. In the Gospel, we find John in prison. Certainly, he wasn’t joy-filled. He was waiting execution. Did he need reassurance that he had not labored in vain? He sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, ... Read More »
2nd Sunday of Advent
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/03/19
On this second Sunday of the Advent Season, John the Baptist uses a word we don’t necessarily like to hear, “Repent.” He cries out “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” He doesn’t invoke idyllic scenes when speaking to the Pharisee and Sadducees. He calls them a ... Read More »