Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

The first reading usually gets ignored, so maybe it is time to take a look at Jonah. When we hear his name we think of one or two things: three days in the belly of a whale, or a character who brings bad luck wherever he goes.

In today’s gospel, John is unselfishly fulfilling his vocation. He points out Jesus to his disciples steering people toward the Lord.

The story of our redemption is very quiet, starting in a stable, no fuss. A normal life in Nazareth. Jesus went to John alone to be baptized.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Fortunately, most of us value the gift of family, treasure it, and understand its importance for both society and church.

It has been said that Catholics only sing in church at Christmas. I am not sure that this is true, but from my vantage point on the altar...

Isaiah, in our first reading, is talking about a time when God will live with His people. Then it actually happened.

Every year Christians focus their attention on a little town in the Middle East-Bethlehem. We listen to the old stories laid down by the prophets and picked up by the bible.

A man took his son to the top of a mountain and showed him everything around. He pointed out the trees, the flowers, the expansive sky above, and the tiny houses below.

A young child climbed to the top of a large tree. His mother, worried, called out to him, “What are you doing?” “Nothing,” the boy replied.

A Pastor at a small church in Rhode Island gave each family $10. There were no strings attached except the reminder of today’s gospel.