Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
13th Sunday in OT - June 27, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/24/21
Who of us has not experienced sickness or death? If not ourselves certainly a family member or friend. Jesus has the power to bring healing to the sick and new life to those on the threshold of death. Whenever we find ourselves in need of new life, turn to ... Read More »
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 20, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/16/21
Happy Fathers Day! It is certainly appropriate on this holiday weekend to talk about fatherhood. And in light of Pope Francis declaring 2021 as the year of St. Joseph, what better person to have as a model to follow God’s plan than Joseph knowing of his great trust in God.
In all of scripture there is not one word that Joseph spoke. He was a man of action. God chose this man to be the spouse of Mary and the foster father of His son, Jesus. Joseph embodies every aspect of a true father. He is the provider of the family, he is defender of the family's well-being and he is faithful to God’s direction in his life. In this time in history, when the family is constantly under attack, St. Joseph assists us in understanding the importance of the family roles and the contribution that they make in development of our character and well-being. Jesus himself probably worked alongside Joseph many years doing carpentry work and learning a trade. He recognized the value of labor and the contribution it makes to our entire society. And our Lord also watched Joseph in the faithful practice of faith. No greater gift can a father give his children than instilling in them a devotion to ... Read More »
11th Sunday in OT - June 13, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/09/21
As school is coming to an end and graduations are taking place, Jesus the rabbi and teacher, continues to teach all of us using parables. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Mark, in his Gospel, has Jesus asking the question, “To ... Read More »
Corpus Christi - June 6, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 6/02/21
Every time we gather for the Eucharist, we offer simple gifts of bread and wine that become Christ’s Body and Blood for all to share. These basic staples of food and drink that we bring to the table at Mass become the flesh and blood of our Savior. His ... Read More »
Trinity Sunday - May 30, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 5/27/21
How many times in your life have you made the sign of the cross? Every time we enter the church, begin the Mass, begin any prayers, or receive a blessing we say “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It is ... Read More »
Pentecost Sunday - May 23, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 5/19/21
I might begin today by wishing everyone a Happy Birthday! After all, this is Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, breathing life into the Church. It seems doubly important this year as we are finally returning to normal life after these many months of the COVID-19 pandemic. I ... Read More »
Ascension - May 16, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 5/11/21
Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. This marks a clear new direction in the lives of the disciples. Jesus, the teacher, showed them how to preach and teach and reach out to the sick, the poor, and the suffering in his name. Prior to this, ... Read More »
6th Sunday of Easter - May 9, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 5/05/21
What beautiful readings we have on this holiday of Mother’s Day. John, in his first letter invites us to “love one another.” Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. What a wonderful definition of God. He is the totality of love. For many of ... Read More »
5th Sunday of Easter
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 4/30/21
The Gospel passage takes place at the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with his friends before His death. He had just dismissed Judas after announcing he would betray Him. He also had already told Peter that he would deny Him three times before morning. The other ten would abandon ... Read More »
4th Sunday of Easter - April 25, 2021
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 4/21/21
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. We recall Jesus’ promise to protect us from harm; to rescue us when we stray and to guide us home at the end of the day. Ultimately Jesus laid down his life for us, as he told his ... Read More »