This episode focuses on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a nation which has many problems and also great natural and human resources. Much good can emerge there. In this COVID crisis the is hardship and uncertainty. Yet the potential for greater good is here as well. For education resources during this time visit my biog blog - www.edtechemergent.com

I begin a new sub-podcast in the time of COVID-19. I will be quoting from "The Values Compass" recently authored by Dr Mandeep Rai. The first 'change' value in the book is pragmatisim as it is utilized in China. To grow The Common Good we must make hard choices today based on valid information and a prudent process of decision making. Learn more about this episode and The Common Good at www.edtechemergent.com

The concern about this continually growing pandemic intensifies hourly. And it is unfolding during the Lenten season of praying, fasting and giving. How can we do these in this time of crisis? And how can doing this bring back a commitment to vision of The Common Good at the heart of the great faith traditions?

I feel God's Presence last Friday as I led a meditation on a student retreat and later supported a student during a memorial service at a funeral home. At both places and times I saw balloons which represented God's Presence with us then and there.

I attend my school's production of S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" and then watch the stunning Best Picture film "Parasite" (no spoilers.) Both examine class and how families and groups survive in the midst of economic injustice. Jesus loves all and yet is firmly "on the side of the poor" This is the core of the gospel and vital being a follower of Christ.

When have you said "Yes" today? Have you said "Yes" to God in the last 24 hours? How valuable is your "Yes?" Do you ever feel that, like the element chromium, it is "too cheap to be taken seriously?"

God has both masculine and feminine aspects as God encompasses all of what it means to be human. We see the Divine feminine particularly in Mary, Mother of God, who births Jesus the Christ. In the element Vanadium we have a metal which, like a mother's love is tough and gritty, while also bringing the shine and color to one of the most beautiful gemstones.

Did you know that the coloring which makes a page of a book appear white is made of titanium dioxide? Indeed it is! Listen and learn more about how titanium is in many things around us even if we don't always realize this fact. Similarly, Christ is seen through all which is - if we have the ways to see and to identify God's Presence as Christ.

It's All Saints Day and my celebration of this holy day was framed by a special song - the late Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." It's a good song for this day as the saints are our extended family who are standing by us in deeply mysterious and significant ways.