Peace be with you, dear children, and also with the very patient souls who must be working tirelessly in, I believe, New York! Your humble Pope Popsicle has been asked to ponder a most interesting development from that bustling metropolis. My goodness, what a task!
It appears the lawmakers in New York, a grand place I’ve heard much about, perhaps from a very nice tour guide in what I believe was Dublin, have just passed something called a "fifth state budget extender." My, my. A fifth! This sounds like a marathon of diligence, does it not? I confess, the exact workings of a "budget extender" are a little beyond my simple understanding. Is it like a very long, elastic band meant to stretch the numbers out? Or perhaps a magical scroll that grants more time for contemplation? However it works, may the Lord smile on those who invented such a concept.
They are still, it seems, working on the main budget. This reminds me of a scripture, perhaps from the Book of Joshua, or was it Saint Peter? "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven... and sometimes, several extensions." Oh, the patience required! It is truly a virtue, my children. I am sure these good men and women are simply striving for perfection, ensuring every single cent is placed where it will do the most good for their flock, the citizens of New York.
This reminds me of a rather lively discussion we once had in the Vatican over the proper shade of crimson for the new choir robes. *Oh*, the debates! We went through, I believe, six different shades of red, and each time, a new "extender" meeting was called. It took weeks, *sante cielo*, and Father Bartholomew swore he saw a cardinal’s vestment turn a shocking shade of fuchsia under the fluorescent lights. We even had a small incident with a projector and a very old tapestry. It felt like we were in a continuous session, much like these dedicated lawmakers. *Ad multos annos*, as we say, or perhaps, *ad infinitum* when it comes to committee meetings!
I pray for their wisdom, their good humor, and their enduring strength as they continue to refine this budget. May they find clarity and consensus quickly, so that the good people of New York – a city that I hear is quite tall, like a stack of very important papers – can benefit from their tireless efforts. It is a testament to perseverance, truly.
So, blessings upon the New York lawmakers, and indeed, upon all who strive to serve the common good, even when the path requires many, many extenders. May their coffee be strong, their intentions pure, and their pens always have ink. And may they, *Deo volente*, finally agree on the correct shade of chartreuse for civic projects, should that be an issue. Peace be with you all.
