Westminster Abbey in London is a grand cathedral. . .where the kings and queens receive their coronation.  The narthex is small, dark, and cramped--just a brief space to pass through between the outside door and the door leading into the cathedral itself.  I can't imagine anyone visiting the abbey and being satisfied to stay in the narthex.

Your life and mine here on earth is like the narthex to a grand cathedral.  Our lives are simply an area to pass through on our way to the glory of eternal life that lies beyond the door of death.