On this Gaudete Sunday the prophet Isaiah rejoices heartily in the Lord, the psalmist rejoices in God, and Saint Paul encourages the Thessalonians to “rejoice always.” A glimmer of good news may be visible on the global warming horizon this week when two of China’s top climate officials suggested the country might be open to a new, enforceable global warming agreement . . .

“There is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie,” proclaims John the Baptist in this Sunday’s gospel. Christian pilgrims to Israel can now strap on their hiking sandals and take to the new Gospel Trail . . .

The biblical “year of favor from the Lord” announced in this Sunday’s first reading was likely a jubilee year, a time for sins and debts to be forgiven. Homeowners facing foreclosure notices may not have much hope of a year of favor, but now at least they have an ally. The Occupy movement in some cities . . .

This Sunday’s gospel describes the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus with a call for repentance and reform. Impeached and convicted former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who promised reform after his election, will now have to prepare for federal prison. He stood before a federal judge . . .

“The image that comes to mind is of a high-speed train that is barreling straight toward a wall. We're under the impression that no one is putting on the brakes.”

While the prison sentence handed down to Rod Blagojevich is the longest ever for an Illinois governor, it's obviously not the first. George Ryan is scheduled to finish his six-year prison term in 2013; Dan Walker (1973-1977) got seven years in jail and five months probation; and in 1973 Otto Kerner received three years.