Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob
1st Sunday of Advent - November 29, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/30/20
If it is one thing I hear most from everyone, it is thank God 2020 is coming to an end. Today, the First Sunday of Advent, is the beginning of the year of grace 2021. This is the time of preparation to celebrate the coming of the Lord into ... Read More »
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - November 22, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/18/20
With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, every day seems like the next. And yet, here we are celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the final Sunday of the liturgical year, Thanksgiving Day this Thursday, and the Christmas Holy Day season right around the corner.
Today’s Gospel is my favorite: the parable of the last judgment. Caring for the most needy of the world is what the Kingdom of God is all about. Rather frighten us, it ought to be a comfort to know exactly what is on the final exam. Thanks to our reading, we know how we can inherit eternal life. Those who are welcomed into the Kingdom feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the ill, and visit the ... Read More »
33 OT - November 15, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/12/20
How are we using what has been entrusted to us? In today’s parable of the talents, a wealthy man goes on a journey. He entrusts his money to his three servants. Once home from the journey, he called his servants to report on how they used this money. Two ... Read More »
32 OT - November 8, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/06/20
Since this article must be in to the printer before the election results are in, or even before we hear the latest numbers of how the COVID-19 pandemic is progressing or regressing, some of you may be very happy about the results of both of these or maybe very ... Read More »
All Saints - November 1, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/29/20
It’s not every year that we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints on a Sunday. This is a day on which we remember all those holy men and women who have come before us. Sainthood is not an exclusive club. In the Apostles Creed we profess our belief in ... Read More »
30 OT - October 25, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/22/20
Sometimes I think we make our religion and faith too complicated. In the Gospel today, Jesus is asked, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” We are familiar with the ten commandments, but in addition to those, there were over 600 other commandments in the laws. So again, ... Read More »
29 OT - October 18,2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/20/20
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus with his words. So they approach him with flattery. “Rabbi, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully.” Then the loaded political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” If ... Read More »
28 OT - October 11, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 10/07/20
After five years of planning, fundraising for the project, and execution of the plan, we are now going to celebrate Mass in our newly renovated church. In the midst of the pandemic, this has all come about. Perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise. While we limited the ... Read More »
27 OT - October 4, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/30/20
In our reading today they speak of harvesting grapes in a vineyard. How appropriate as we are in fall, the harvest season. Today is also the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He saw God in all creation, animals as well as earth and sky. Pope Francis is especially ... Read More »
26 OT - September 27, 2020
Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 9/22/20
In today’s Gospel Jesus told a brief story about a father who had two sons. Both of the sons were asked to go to work in the vineyard. The first one quickly responded to do what his father told him. But he never showed up to work. He never ... Read More »