Browsing the 2020 archive of Thoughts from Fr. Bob
30 OT - October 25, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/22/20
Sometimes I think we make our religion and faith too complicated. In the Gospel today, Jesus is asked, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” We are familiar with the ten commandments, but in addition to those, there were over 600 other commandments in the laws. So again, ... Read More »
29 OT - October 18,2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/20/20
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus with his words. So they approach him with flattery. “Rabbi, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully.” Then the loaded political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” If ... Read More »
28 OT - October 11, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/07/20
After five years of planning, fundraising for the project, and execution of the plan, we are now going to celebrate Mass in our newly renovated church. In the midst of the pandemic, this has all come about. Perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise. While we limited the ... Read More »
27 OT - October 4, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/30/20
In our reading today they speak of harvesting grapes in a vineyard. How appropriate as we are in fall, the harvest season. Today is also the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He saw God in all creation, animals as well as earth and sky. Pope Francis is especially ... Read More »
26 OT - September 27, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/22/20
In today’s Gospel Jesus told a brief story about a father who had two sons. Both of the sons were asked to go to work in the vineyard. The first one quickly responded to do what his father told him. But he never showed up to work. He never ... Read More »
25 OT - September 20, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/17/20
In our first reading today from the prophet Isaiah he says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways.” We can all testify to that. Why doesn’t God see things my way? Why doesn’t he just give me the things I ask for, like: healing ... Read More »
24 OT - September 16, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/10/20
On the calendar today it says it is Grandparents’ Day. There’s an old saying, “Parents can not be everywhere, so God created grandparents.” May God bless our grandmothers and grandfathers and godparents for the great gift that they are.
In today’s Gospel, Peter asks our Lord, “If my brother ... Read More »
23 OT - September 6, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/03/20
This is Labor Day weekend. Often seen as the end of summer. Where did the time go? We honor all those who work to do the things that contribute to society whether in a factory, on a farm, in an office, at home, or together in building the Kingdom ... Read More »
22 OT - August 30,2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/27/20
What a reversal we have in Simon Peter’s life from last week. He proclaims Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Peter reveals this. Today Peter hears our Lord tell his disciples he must go to Jerusalem and suffer ... Read More »
21 OT - August 23, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/26/20
We need to remind ourselves from time to time, that each of us is the Church, the body of Christ, the universal assembly of believers, called to build the Kingdom of God. Each one of us is part of this institution, we call the Catholic Church, that can be ... Read More »