Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
5th Sunday in Lent - March 22, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 3/19/26
Dear Parishioners,
As we approach Holy Week and the final days of Lent, we hear the well-known story of Lazarus, the brother of Martha, and many whom Jesus rises from the dead. John’s account of this miracle is one of the most dramatic accounts in any of the Gospels. ... Read More »
4th Sunday in Lent - March 15, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 3/13/26
Dear Parishioners, In today’s first reading, the Lord asserts that God does not see how people see. We tend to see appearances, but God looks into the heart. How often do we find ourselves unable to see past appearances the way someone looks, or sounds, or acts? In doing ... Read More »
3rd Sunday in Lent - March 8, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 3/04/26
Dear Parishioners,
On this the 3rd Sunday of the Lenten Season, water plays a pivotal role in our liturgy. We hear Moses bring forth water from a rock in the desert when the Chosen people feared dying of thirst. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals himself as the source of ... Read More »
2nd Sunday in Lent - March 1, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 2/26/26
Dear Parishioners,
Today we hear the account of Jesus’ transfiguration when the Lord suddenly shone like the sun in front of his closest disciples, knocking them to the ground in awe. On the second Sunday of Lent, we realize that we still have the opportunity to transform our lives, ... Read More »
1st Sunday in Lent - February 22, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 2/23/26
Dear Parishioners,
During the forty-day journey in the desert that we make each Lent, again and again, we find ourselves tempted, like Jesus in the wilderness, to do the wrong thing: to overindulge, to lie, to take any way out. Fortunately, the Holy Spirt accompanies us, like Jesus, to ... Read More »
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 »