The Narthex
Is Thomas's Doubt Bad?
We sometimes jump to conclusions about others’ motivations
By John M. Grondelski | April 30th 2025 11:17 AMThe Gospel of the Second Sunday of Easter (Jn 20:19-31) incorporates two appearances by Jesus to His Apostles. His first, on Easter Sunday evening, is the institution of the sacrament of Penance, entrusting the ministry of forgiveness to His Apostles. The second, a week later, is when he confronts “doubting…
READ FULL BLOG POST'Winter Light' and Heat in Sweden
Film, Faith, and Morals Series -- No. 1
By John M. Grondelski | January 20th 2025 12:18 PMHere I begin experimenting with something new. I have long thought that film -- especially classic films -- often raises important religious and/or moral questions that deserve comment. I also think, given the bilge produced by the current “entertainment industry” (particularly in the U.S.), that many people are unfamiliar with…
READ FULL BLOG POSTFaith, Hope, & Children
Hope is not a concept. Hope is a child, the Child found in a manger
By John M. Grondelski | December 24th 2024 2:56 PMThe New York Times’ “Ethicist” column is an anti-gift that just keeps on giving. On December 20, it discussed “family planning in uncertain times” (a link is below). The gist of the correspondent’s question is whether, at a time when the climate is changing and the bogeyman of “overpopulation” still…
READ FULL BLOG POST'Only God Can Make a Tree'
Jesus was a carpenter; His sayings and parables show a predilection for trees
By John M. Grondelski | June 17th 2024 12:05 PMSunday’s readings said a lot about trees and their growth. The First Reading spoke about God, who fosters some trees and withers others. The Gospel spoke of the tiny mustard seed that produces a large tree. The Catholic poet Joyce Kilmer wrote a poem, “Trees,” that was once standard fare in…
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