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 Bishop Barron highlights the Gospel account of Judas in his regret for betraying Jesus. He argues that possibly even sinners such as Judas could be saved. While not excusing sins or their effects; he expounds on God’s mercy as reaching down into the very depths of our darkness and despair.  https://youtu.be/lg95po4yAzs?si=JFjaiVtEZjhSne_c For more inspiring content check out Bishop Barron’s YouTube channel now with over 3 million subscribers and growing:  https://youtube.com/@bishopbarron?si=6wm2NHsWUnweQopr

For April's poetry group, the topic was to create something with repetition like a repeated line ex in the Raven "Nevermore". Here is what I came up with.  And The Heart Beats On (Bu Bum, Bu Bum) Billions of people all over the Earth. Each day over 300 thousand new births! Each person seeking, learning to become. And the heart beats on (Bu Bum, Bu Bum)   New challenges arise each day of the year. Bad weather, bad news, things fill us with fear. Yet still we try hard to avoid the doldrums. And the heart beats on (Bu Bum, Bu Bum)   Perhaps it’s the hardships that give life it’s flair. Now I’m not saying that all things are fair. Though many feel hopeless; there’s much hope for some. And the heart beats on (Bu Bum, Bu Bum) pic by: Joshua Chehov from Unsplash. 

 The Litany of Humility is a prayer away from ourselves and directed to others. It calls to mind the words of Jesus who emphasized the meek and lowly of the world over the prideful and exalted. During Lent and throughout the year it’s good to remember this in our competitive and status symbol oriented world.  https://youtu.be/tLpr-5iWSuY?si=hHSEf1U8NO8BkMf7

 Bishop explains the significance behind the events of the Gospel where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. His weeping exemplifies the real human connection and emotion God feels with us.  https://youtu.be/KkE5zUTJVZs?si=dY9xjG7jw0Yqdvtj

 Former National Counterterrorism Center Director , Joe Kent speaks on his points made in his resignation letter to President Trump. He details from his many past deployments in the Middle East and his own present available intelligence and experiences how and why this happened and why the official narrative doesn’t add up. The right questions which were asked here were unfortunately not asked in the same way by those responsible for creating and perpetuating these unfortunate present events. As we now start to hear more about “winding down” our involvement; I feel these questions will likely remain, along with others like what comes next for Iran, the region and potential for dialogue and diplomacy.  https://youtu.be/1cbw1utqzHg?si=jcWe2VZli0k5rryI

 Bishop Barron explains the significance of today’s gospel of “The Woman at the Well” and how it should serve as a model of conversion and evangelization for us.  https://youtu.be/8b-qvrZEYw4?si=wdFMMCWQEcahsVqn For more inspiring videos from Bishop Barron check out his YouTube channel at  https://youtube.com/@bishopbarron?si=g5lAq1AcWTy6xfwi

 The latest poem suggestion for our poetry group was to write a limerick. It has a definite rhythm and rhyme (structure) and usually funny. 5 lines with a specific number or syllables in each line ex: 9, 9, 5, 5, 9. Here's what I just came up with so far:  I was running the race at good speed. I could clearly see who was the lead.  Then, unlike before My legs got so sore. Now it's rest and pain meds that I need  Photo: Nikola at Unsplash  A man sitting on a ledge tying his shoes photo – Free Aesthetic Image on Unsplash Here's another one about one mayor who can never be opposed.  Our mayor was running our great town. He tried to shut his opponents down. But we became wise, And saw through his lies. Our mayor is really a great clown. Photo from Marloes Hilckmann Unsplash:  White red and black face painted on wall photo – Free Art Image on Unsplash