Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
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 »
13th Sunday of Ordinary Time - June 30, 2024
Posted by Donna Brown on 7/01/24
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 »
12th Sunday of Ordinary Time - June 23, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/19/24
Summer has arrived and with it, unfortunately, the ever-present chance of summer storms. High winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods make these storms frightening and dangerous. The disciples were terrified when a violent squall came up while they were on the Sea of Galilee. But not Jesus. He rebuked ... Read More »
11th Sunday of OT - June 16 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/13/24
Today’s readings are especially timely at this point of the year. Two of the passages concern nature, specifically the growth of large trees and plants. As we head into summer, we can appreciate the shade from a large tree. On this Father’s Day, a sturdy tree that provides shelter ... Read More »
10th Sunday in OT - June 9, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/04/24
It is appropriate to think of St. James Parish as our family of faith, for in the Gospel today we hear Jesus tell the crowds that whoever does the will of God is part of his family.
But at the same time we are sinful people. We can blame ... Read More »
Corpus Cristi - June 2, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/03/24
One of the hallmarks of our Catholic faith is the Mass. We are a Eucharistic people, listening to God’s word and receiving sustenance from the Body and Blood of our Lord in the Eucharist so that we may be sent out as disciples, manifesting the real presence of Jesus ... Read More »
Most Holy Trinity - May 26, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/03/24
In our first reading today, Moses asks, “Did anything so great ever happen before?” After celebrating Easter and then Pentecost, we may ask the same question. Throughout the Easter season, which has just come to a close, we recalled how the Son made the ultimate sacrifice for us. The ... Read More »