Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
31st Sunday in OT - October 30, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/26/22
If any of you are vertically challenged, you know what it means to not see over someone's head in church, at a theatre, or some athletic event. In today’s Gospel, Zacchaeus, a short in stature tax collector, has to climb a tree in order to see Jesus. We likely ... Read More »
30th Sunday in OT - October 23, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/20/22
In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus tell us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Our presence at Mass testifies that we are humbled before God. Acknowledging that ultimately we are dependent on God for all that we have ... Read More »
29th Sunday in OT - October 16, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/12/22
Persistence and perseverance are the words of today, as each reading teaches the importance of these virtues in carrying out God’s will. In Exodus, Moses must persist in raising his arms and holding the staff of God in order for Joshua to defeat the enemy in battle. Paul instructs ... Read More »
28th Sunday in OT - October 9, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/07/22
Last week we heard the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus told them that even faith the size of a mustard seed could uproot a tree and plant it in the sea. Today we hear Jesus tell the leper who returned to give thanks, “Your faith has ... Read More »
27th Sunday in OT - October 2, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/28/22
Often we feel that our faith is weak, unable to overcome all our doubts or give us the confidence to face our trials. Jesus’ closest friends, his apostles, may have felt the same way. Today we hear them ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by issuing them ... Read More »
26th Sunday in OT - September 25, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/21/22
“Too late!” We often use that expression after something does or does not happen that we wish did. While he was alive, the rich man in today’s Gospel ignored the beggar Lazarus at his gate. Now he suffers in torment. In death a great chasm separates him from paradise. ... Read More »
25th Sunday in OT - September 18, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/14/22
We live in a society that considers the accumulation of material wealth to be a worthy goal. Even if we are not greedy, we want to be able to provide for our families and for ourselves and free ourselves from the worry of being unable to pay the bills. ... Read More »
24th Sunday in OT - September 11, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/07/22
In today’s Gospel we hear the Pharisee’s anger at Jesus for welcoming sinners and eating with them. Jesus turns their criticism on its head by telling them three parables (Lk 15:1-32) that show how much joy God finds in one repentant sinner. The magnitude of God’s mercy can be ... Read More »
23rd Sunday in OT - September 4, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/31/22
On this holiday weekend, as we recognize the blessings of human labor and of all those who work, whether they are paid or unpaid, we are also inspired to take part in the Lord’s work.
Jesus has a sobering, even shocking, warning to would be disciples in today’s Gospel. ... Read More »
22nd Sunday in OT - August 28, 2022
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 8/24/22
Every Mass we celebrate we are guests at a wedding feast, invited by our Lord. Our Gospel tells us to accept this invitation with humility. Humility is the opposite of pride. When we allow pride to take over in our lives, we are dishonest. We lie about ourselves by ... Read More »