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Browsing Thoughts from Fr. Bob

1st Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2022

Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/30/22

Already the radio, TV, and newspapers are hitting us with urgent reminders to get ready for Christmas.  But we gather this weekend to begin a different kind of preparation.  Over the next four weeks of Advent, we will recall how Jesus comes to us.  He has come as an ... Read More »

Feast of Christ the King - November 20, 2022

Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/14/22

Today we acknowledge that while leaders of nations in this world come and go, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is ruler over all people both now and forever.  The idea  to celebrate this feast was born out of a growing nationalism and secularism one hundred years ago.  The ... Read More »

33rd Sunday in OT - November 13, 2022

Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/09/22

Our readings today are truly frightening, for they look ahead to the end of the world and the second coming of our Lord, “The day is coming,”  Malachi prophesied.  “The days will come,” Jesus warned.  Sometimes it feels like the days they anticipated are right around the corner.  A ... Read More »

32nd Sunday in OT - November 6, 2022

Posted by Fr Bob Betz on 11/02/22

The days are growing shorter. The leaves are falling from the trees, and the last of the crops are harvested. It’s at this time the Church calls to mind those who have died, and Jesus’ promise of eternal life.  Earlier this week we honored the saints, men, and women ... Read More »

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 »