Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time - November 3, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/31/24
In this month of November, we Catholics remember in a special way all those relatives, friends, and parishioners who have died. In front of the altar we have placed photos of those special people who have passed away, securing the hope that they are, in the words from today’s ... Read More »
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 27, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/24/24
It seems throughout history the nation of Israel was threatened, eventually defeated, and the Jewish people sent into exile. This is the background behind Jeremiah’s incredibly hopeful and consoling oracle we hear today. The Lord will bring back the exiles, the strong and the weak, the young and old, ... Read More »
29th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 20, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/17/24
When Jesus asks James and John, “What do you wish me to do for you?” they could have responded some other way. They could have asked him to tell them what they could do for him. They could have asked him how they could prevent him from being put ... Read More »
28th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 13, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/10/24
We come to church in various states of disrepair. Perhaps we are worn down by an exhausting week of work. Perhaps we are trying to cope with family or marital difficulties. Perhaps we have been wracked by grief, or guilt, or despair. The truth is that this is the ... Read More »
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time - October 6, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/03/24
Especially appropriate on Respect Life Sunday, our first reading reminds us that God brought life to us all. Out of love and empathy for the first human. God created the first woman. God has blessed us with the ability to share in the creation of new life and we ... Read More »
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 29, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/26/24
Today’s Gospel is a difficult one with severe warnings about sin and hell. The second reading isn’t much easier to take warning of the corrosive effects of wealth and pleasure.
Again and again in his letter, James commands Christians to put faith into action. We hear an explicit warning, ... Read More »
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 22, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/18/24
As summer transitions to fall, farmers' thoughts turn toward the coming harvest. Speaking of harvesting, in the second reading St. James declares that those who cultivate peace will sow the fruit of righteousness. Besides the traditional fall harvest of apples, corn, and pumpkins, may we also savor the fruit ... Read More »
24th Sunday of Ordinary Time - September 15, 2024
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/12/24
Over the next six Sundays, we will hear Jesus catechizing his disciples and us on what it means to be a disciple. Recently, we have heard Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and face down the Scribes and Pharisees. But now he teaches us a different lesson. First, he ... Read More »
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 »