As we reach the halfway point of Advent this Gaudete Sunday, Alice Camille in this week’s Exploring the Word writes of the crossroads between testaments old and new upon which John the Baptist stands. The nation stands at a crossroads this week as well: Will politicos reach a budget deal in time to avert . . .

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” exhorts Saint Paul this Gaudete Sunday, while in the first reading Israel is encouraged to “shout for joy” and “sing joyfully.” But how can that happen when so many people are depressed at the holidays, right? Not exactly, according to a new study. . .

When the crowds ask John the Baptist in this Sunday’s gospel, “What should we do?” he answers by encouraging acts of charity and generosity. Apparently the Sacrament of Reconciliation encourages some generous behavior as well. People who recall being absolved of their sins . . .

The psalmist this Sunday encourages us to acclaim the exalted name of the Lord and make known his deeds and “glorious achievements” throughout all the earth. Over the centuries, great religious artwork has been one of the most effective, dramatic, and enduring ways.that has been . . .

“I remember the mantra of my high school speech teacher, Father Norbert Schuler, S.V.D.: ‘Get up; say what you have to say; and sit down!’ And I agree with Saint Augustine who said that the task of the preacher is to teach, to delight, and to move.”

The FBI’s annual Hate Crime Statistics survey says there were 6,216 single bias-motivated incidents in 2011, of which 1,233—19.8 percent—involved religious bias.