Browsing the 2023 archive of Thoughts from Fr. Bob
19th Sunday in OT - August 13, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/10/23
At this time of year, the forces of nature can buffet us from every side. Drought and forest fires, thunderstorms and floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, anything seems possible. If we are in a vulnerable position, in a small boat at sea, we can find ourselves in grave danger. Today ... Read More »
The Transfiguration of the Lord - August 6, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/05/23
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. This feast was inserted into the general calendar in 1457 by Pope Callistus III to celebrate the defeat, announced in Rome on August 6, of the Turks at Belgrade. Matthew writes that when Peter, James, and John see Jesus transfigured and ... Read More »
17th Sunday in OT - July 30, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/27/23
Imagine a world where everyone cared for the least of their sisters and brothers; a world without want because everyone would be willing to provide for anyone in need; a world without hate because people would disagree without being disagreeable; a world of peace because no one would ever ... Read More »
16th Sunday in OT - July 23, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/19/23
Two years ago, Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July, the closest to the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne, Mary’s parents. The Pope spoke of grandparents providing a younger generation a link ... Read More »
15th Sunday in OT - July 16, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/10/23
Today we hear, “On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.” Many of us may wish to do the same thing this summer season. We can imagine the feeling right now, leaving our home and finding a nice refreshing spot where we ... Read More »
14th Sunday in OT - July 9, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/03/23
As we celebrate the Eucharist, the burdens of life may weigh heavy on our minds, our hearts, and our bodies. We may be tired from working six days a week. We may be anxious about the health of a family member or our own. We may be mourning the ... Read More »
13th Sunday in OT - July 2, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/27/23
In today’s Gospel Jesus explains how someone can receive a reward. Sounds great, right? In the first reading, a kind and generous woman at Shunem receives an awesome reward from God, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son,” for her hospitality to the prophet Elisha. ... Read More »
12th Sunday in OT - June 25, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/21/23
Life can be difficult. Terrible things happen to us, to others across the planet and to the world in general. But it is our faith that gives us hope in the midst of suffering. We know that God watches over us, cares for us, and has given us the ... Read More »
11th Sunday in OT - June 18, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/14/23
From this weekend to the end of November, we celebrate a nearly unbroken string of Sundays in Ordinary Time. However, this is not a sign that nothing special happens. Ordinary Time is merely the period outside the climactic season of Christmas and Easter and the preparation seasons of Advent ... Read More »
Body & Blood of Christ - June 11, 2023
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/07/23
This weekend we come together to receive the Body and Blood of Christ conscious of the fact that Jesus gave us this sacrament to sustain and nourish us as we continue to carry out his mission. He is the living bread come down from heaven, the bread that is ... Read More »