Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 8, 2024
Posted by Patricia Penkalski on 9/09/24
Today we hear the story of a miracle in which Jesus performs a healing in a very intimate way. He draws a deaf and mute man away from the crowd, puts his fingers in his ears and, having spat on them, touches his tongue as well. Jesus is here ... Read More »
22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 1, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/29/24
On this Labor Day weekend, when we recognize all those who work to provide for their families, their communities, this nation and the Church, we also celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the care of creation, praying that together we can work to ensure that the world God ... Read More »
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 25, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/23/24
Life is difficult. We struggle each day as we try to balance our checkbooks, our time, and our obligations. We come to Mass each weekend when we could be somewhere else, doing something else. Our faith, our sense of what God is calling us to do, and the Holy ... Read More »
20th Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 18, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/15/24
If it seems as if we’ve been hearing about Jesus as the Bread of Life for a few weeks now, you’re absolutely right. John obviously thought that this teaching was quite important. Perhaps not coincidentally, John is the only evangelist who doesn’t write about Jesus offering his Body and ... Read More »
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 11, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/08/24
At this time of summer, parts of the country where the heat has accumulated, along with great fires, is overwhelming. Because of this, the first reading today will resonate with us. Just one day into his journey across the desert, the great prophet Elijah is so hot and tired ... Read More »
18th Sunday of Ordinary Time - August 4, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/01/24
"I am the bread of life,” Jesus tells us in the Gospel today, “whoever comes to me will never hunger.” We come to encounter Jesus in five ways. We experience him in God’s word, proclaimed to our assembly. We see him in those who minister to us at Mass. ... Read More »
17th Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 28, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/25/24
From five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus was able to provide a wonderful feast for thousands of people. All of them had plenty to eat and what was left over filled twelve baskets. The people realized they had just witnessed a miracle, a sign to bring them to ... Read More »
16th Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 21, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/18/24
Today we hear Jesus invite his disciples, who have just returned from their mission, to travel with him to a deserted place to rest awhile. Sounds like the perfect thing for us to do at this time of year. Even Jesus realized the need to rest and recharge. But ... Read More »
15th Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 14, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/11/24
In today’s Gospel, the twelve apostles are sent out on their own for the first time. Jesus instructs them to preach repentance, cure those who are sick, and drive out demons. Jesus did not accompany them in person, but he was surely with them in spirit.
Jesus does not ... Read More »
14th Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 7, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 7/03/24
Last week we heard of two people with exceptional strong faith: Jairus, whose daughter was near death, and a woman who was afflicted for twelve years with an incurable condition. In the course of curing each, Jesus told both how vital each one's faith was. “Do not be afraid; ... Read More »