In this Sunday’s readings, both the prophet Daniel and Jesus speak of a time of tribulation to come. “It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress,” the first reading warns. If two new reports on climate change are accurate, that time is upon us if global warming is not controlled very soon. Rising sea levels . . .

A parable about the fig tree’s short season from blossom to fruit is at the center of the gospel message this Sunday. Figs and other exports to the European Union produced by Israel on occupied lands such as the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights will now be labeled as such . . .

The psalmist looks to the Lord for guidance on the "path to life” toward the "fullness of joy.” Catholics and others who look to Pope Francis for guidance on how to lead a full and joyful home life will heed his latest advice: Leave the television and cell phones off . . .

Death loses its sting in the vivid promise of the fullness of life everlasting prophesized in the reading from the Book of Daniel this Sunday. Honeybees haven’t lost their sting but have been dying off in disconcerting numbers in recent decades. We need to take this development seriously because new research suggests the relationship between humans and honeybees goes back . . .

The “end of the world” has fascinated human beings for millennia.

"Spotlight is undoubtedly this generation’s All the President’s Men, showing the cinematic greatness that can happen when talented actors are paired with a story that needs to be told."

Before the age of 55, the circadian rhythms of adults are completely out of sync with normal nine-to-five working hours, posing a serious threat to performance, mood, and mental health.