The prologue to John’s gospel this Christmas Day stirs the heart with its promise that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This level of optimism is sorely needed in the Mideast . . .

After the Holy Family traveled to Jerusalem to present young Jesus at the temple, this Sunday’s gospel tells us, they returned to their town Nazareth where “the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Families in towns and villages across western Africa have grown weak . . .

The gospel for today’s solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary speaks of how all were amazed at the child she had borne, who on this eighth day “was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Separatists in eastern Ukrainian . . .

Our gospel for this Sunday’s celebration of the Epiphany speaks of how the magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem in search of the newborn king in order to offer their gifts. King Herod also wanted the child found, though for different reasons. Despite the best search efforts of many nations these past nine months, the remains of Malaysia Airlines . . .

“Most gardeners grow more than they can use, preserve, or give to friends. The idea is that if there’s food that you can’t use … get it to somebody else who needs it.”

"It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since."