Pastor's Reflection - October 18, 2026

“Falling” Into Grace

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I was never a fan of the extremely hot summers in the Tri-Cities, where I grew up. I loved walking to school in the morning and seeing my breath in the cold air.

I also have fond memories of deer-hunting trips with my dad and brother, mushroom hunting, and heading to the Leavenworth area to spend a couple of days with my folks and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. In 2021, my father and I took a photography trip to the Grand Tetons with a professional photographer. The scenery was gorgeous, but Washington State has beauty that’s just as impressive during the fall months.

Some people don’t like this time of year. The shorter days, lack of sunshine, and cold weather can be hard to bear. I have several friends who have been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.

Through all the changes and seasons of life, it’s important to remember that the Lord is always with us and leads us toward our heavenly home. Years ago, I heard a Christian song by Nicole Nordeman titled “Every Season” that highlights this truth.

This time of year brings increased exposure to viruses and other illnesses, so I wanted to take the opportunity to remind all of us to use common sense. If you are sick and contagious, it’s okay to miss Sunday Mass. This isn’t an intentional absence; it’s an act of concern for the good of the whole community, as well as a chance to rest and recover. You can watch Sunday Mass in many different places and access the Sunday readings, along with wonderful homilies and commentaries, to help you make the most of your absence.

Don’t forget that I podcast my Sunday homily every week and include detailed notes, thanks to my Plaud AI device, which also creates the audio recording. You can find it on my website. I’m even able to slow down the pace of my speech without affecting its pitch.

Life is full of changes, but through them all, the Good Lord will continue to accompany and guide us. Let us “fall” into this wonderful grace.

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor