Author Archives: Glen Franklin Koontz

“The purpose of Lent is not to force on us a few formal obligations, but to ‘soften’ our heart so that it may open itself to the realities of the spirit, to experience the hidden ‘ thirst’ for communion with God.” — Saint John Paul II. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JASON MUEHLECK! Jason is an aspiring DallasContinue reading “FEBRUARY 24, 2026”

“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him.  If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him.  If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints.   And your name, written in the Book of Life, will beContinue reading “FEBRUARY 23, 2026”

“Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.” –Thomas a Kempis “However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, andContinue reading “FEBRUARY 22, 2026”

“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort.   You were made for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI. Tomorrow is George Washington’s birthday. Mr. Washington is fondly remembered as the “Father of our country”. He is the greatest Virginian, and perhaps, the greatest American. The Observations dedicates this weekend to remembering a manContinue reading “FEBRUARY 21, 2026”

“The Lord measures out perfection neither by the multitude nor the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them.” -– St. John of the Cross Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is in the custody of British police, pending an inquiry into a criminal complaint of misconduct while in official office. He was arrestedContinue reading “FEBRUARY 20, 2026”

“Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God?  Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.” — St. Augustine of Hippo. One of the worst United States Supreme Court decisions ever issued was the Obergfell decision, which struck down marriage laws throughout the States, and redefined “marriage”. Not only was the decision without Constitutional moorings,Continue reading “FEBRUARY 19, 2026”

“Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again: for forgiveness has risen from the grave!” — St. John Chrysostom Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  From now until Easter, Christians begin preparing for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection through prayer, penance, the repentance of sins, almsgiving and self-denial.  MayContinue reading “FEBRUARY 18, 2026”

English, Dudley, and I returned to Northern Virginia after a long and pleasant weekend in Chatmoss. There was a lovely wine dinner at the Club on Saturday; delicious food and wine, great company. Sunday was spent watching the Crosby golf tournament, and reading, as a steady rain fell outside. The snow largely disappeared. Frank cameContinue reading “FEBRUARY 17, 2026”

Today is Washington’s Birthday, observed.  It is NOT “Presidents’ Day”.  There is no such thing as “Presidents’ Day”. You are not required to buy a mattress or a new automobile.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROCKY! I invited him to Chatmoss for a birthday libation, but he was too busy with his friends in New York. Nevertheless, I hope he enjoyedContinue reading “FEBRUARY 16, 2026”

The Gospel for Quinquagesima Sunday begins: Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem… This is our invitation to “go up to Jerusalem” with Our Lord, and to witness His passion and death. All of this is to better prepare ourselves to enter more fully into the joy of theContinue reading “FEBRUARY 15, 2026”