Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
4th 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 »
The Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/08/26
Dear Parishioners,
On this final day of the Christmas season we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We hear in dramatic fashion of Jesus rising from the waters of the River Jordan, the heavens opening before him, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and a ... Read More »
Epiphany - January 4, 2026
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the Epiphany of the Lord, we commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was made manifest to the wider world. The magi, the three Kings, who were not Jewish and not from the region, were guided by the star which eventually led them, to Bethlehem. There they ... Read More »
The Holy Family - December 28, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 1/05/26
Dear Parishioners,
On the Sunday after Christmas, we honor the Holy Family and hold them up as a model for our families from the start. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had to deal with hardships, uncertainty, and even danger, but together they placed their trust in God and grew ever ... Read More »
4th Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/20/25
Dear Parishioners,
How appropriate that we hear this Gospel on the shortest day of the year, the day with the least amount of sunlight. Joseph's hopes and dreams must have seemed bleak when he realized that his betrothed was found with child. But just as the winter solstice turns ... Read More »
3rd Sunday of Advent - December 14, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/15/25
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called Gaudete Sunday. A time to rejoice, for we know, with eyes of faith, that the Lord is near. We can sense his presence even as we prepare for the celebration of his coming to us as a newborn infant ... Read More »
Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 12/04/25
Dear Parishioners,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” proclaimed John the Baptist as he prepared the world for the coming of the Messiah. We may not be preparing for Jesus Christ’s arrival in the flesh or plunging into the Jordan River, but John’s words apply just ... Read More »
First Sunday of Advent - November 30, 2025
Posted by Patricia Penkalski on 12/01/25
Dear Parishioners,
During this season of anticipation, we are reminded that Jesus didn't come into the world only once, as a newborn child over two thousand years ago, but also comes into the world and our hearts throughout our lives. Furthermore, as we hear in today’s Gospel, he will ... Read More »