To kick off the fourth season of “Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols,” we have a Christmas song that begins on a plodding, somber note and erupts into a thrilling epiphany. We’re exploring “We Three Kings.”

A Reflection for Friday of the First Week of Advent, by Kevin Christopher Robles

A Reflection for Thursday of the First Week of Advent, by Molly Cahill

A Reflection for Wednesday of the First Week of Advent, by J.D. Long García

A Reflection for Monday of the First Week of Advent, by Michael SImone, S.J.

How to access episodes of “Hark!” for non-exclusive radio distribution.

A Homily for the First Sunday of Advent, by Father Terrance Klein

How realistic is “Conclave”? A canon lawyer weighs in.

U.K. faith leaders oppose the assisted dying bill: “We believe that a truly compassionate response to the end of life lies in the provision of high-quality palliative care services to all who need them.”

Since launching a campaign within the Labour Party against legalized suicide, I’ve been met with the refrain, “Your only allies are the Tories.”