Browsing the 2021 archive of Thoughts from Fr. Bob
30th Sunday in OT - October 24, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/21/21
As what happened in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks the same questions to Bartimaeus, the blind beggar as he asked James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?” The apostles, not seeing what they were asking for, ask for glory in the kingdom, one on ... Read More »
29th Sunday in OT - October 17, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/18/21
What if Jesus asked you, “What do you wish me to do for you?” Perhaps our request would be for health, or a new job, or find me a spouse or a new friend, or that we would win the lottery. He did ask in the Gospel today, what ... Read More »
28th Sunday in OT - October 10,2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/06/21
Living as a disciple of the Lord was never seen as a piece of cake, but a real daunting task. Jesus challenges us and the way we live our lives. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the eager young man to do two things to inherit eternal life. The first ... Read More »
27th Sunday in OT - October 3, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/28/21
Today is not one of my favorite Gospels to speak about because it has to do with marriage. Since many of us are single, never married, divorced, widowed, or in a same-sex marriage, we may feel the Good News today is not for us. Human nature is imperfect, and ... Read More »
26th Sunday in OT - September 26, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/22/21
Whose side are you on? This is a common refrain we find in relationships, politics, and society in general. We disagree with each other and then we divide ourselves by where we stand on issues or by whom we want to associate with like Republican/Democrat/Liberal/Conservative/Pro vaccine/anti vaccine. The church ... Read More »
25th Sunday in OT - September 19, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/17/21
Today’s readings can be quite unpleasant. Envious instigator plot against the prophets and the future messiah, Jesus. James explains that greed and envy are at the root of conflict between people. Jesus again warns disciples that soon he will be handed over to people intending on killing him.
The ... Read More »
24th Sunday in OT - September 12, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/09/21
Return and Rejoice!! This weekend marks the beginning of our theme for this coming year. Kids and young people are back in school, college, and soon to be in our religious education program. While these are steps toward normalcy, we know the fight against the COVID-19 virus is not ... Read More »
23rd Sunday in OT - September 5, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/01/21
On this Labor Day weekend, which often marks the end of summer, we take a welcome rest from our labors. Whether that be in a factory or field, store or office, school or home, we take time out for the one who promised that his yoke is easy and ... Read More »
22nd Sunday in OT, August 29,2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/24/21
The greatest gift we all have and will ever receive is the gift of life itself. That gift was given to us most directly by our parents, whose life in turn was given to them by their parents and so on. But ultimately the author of all life, the ... Read More »
21st Sunday in OT - August 22, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/20/21
Today in our first reading Joshua asks the tribes of Israel which god they will serve. He gives them three options. The gods beyond the River are their distant ancestors gods, from before Abraham and Sarah. Nostalgia would inspire this choice. The gods of the Amorites are those of ... Read More »