The Narthex
Falling Leaves & Acorns
Death may come quietly, like the falling leaf, or it may come loud and jolting
By John M. Grondelski | November 3rd 2023 11:37 AMNat King Cole sang about “the falling leaves [that] drift by the window/the autumn leaves of red and gold.” Drifting autumn leaves suggest a quiet, peaceful sweep outside one’s casement. Last weekend was anything but. Fall was at its peak in Virginia and Saturday was a gloriously sunny day. As…
READ FULL BLOG POSTWill the Synod Offer Clarity or Confusion?
Christ's 'welcome' message was 'Repent and believe the Gospel'
By John M. Grondelski | October 3rd 2023 8:46 PMThe recent Gospel about what two sons did with their father’s call to work in his vineyard seems fitting for the week we begin a “synod about synodality.” The Gospel is ultimately about sin and repentance. Both sons sin. One sins by refusing to work in the vineyard, although he…
READ FULL BLOG POSTPriests & Guardian Angels
Guardian angels are hardy warriors that help pastors to sanctify their people
By John M. Grondelski | September 30th 2023 5:56 PMOctober 2 is the Memorial of the Guardian Angels. Once a year, the Church reminds us of an important tradition that points to God’s Providential care: that each human person receives a guardian angel to accompany him in life. Your path to heaven is not solitary; you are accompanied by…
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