Energy in gratitude
The May edition of The Messenger explores themes of gratitude, vocation, justice, and the recognition of God’s presence in everyday life.
Editor Donal Neary SJ opens with a reflection on gratitude—what he describes as “Energy in thanks.” Drawing on the Magnificat and the daily Examen prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, he emphasises the importance of gratitude as a conscious, lived practice. He encourages readers to “Engage their senses — seeing, listening, smelling, and tasting” to become more aware of and grateful for God’s presence in the world and within themselves.
The Pope’s intention for the month of May focuses on global access to food, calling for a shared commitment to reduce waste and ensure that all people have access to nutritious meals. Reflecting on this intention, Fr. Kevin O’Gorman SMA notes that “the provision of ‘quality of food’ for all is not a matter of taste but of justice.” He adds that as we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,’ we are invited to take to heart the Pope’s hope “that everyone might have food.”
‘The Everyday Saints of the Kingdom’, by Peter McVerry SJ, reflects on the life of Alphonsus Rodriguez, a Jesuit brother who served as a doorkeeper at a college in Spain for 46 years. Fr McVerry describes his life as outwardly unremarkable—simply opening the door to those who knocked and helping them in whatever way he could. Yet his spirituality was deeply rooted in attentiveness to God in the smallest tasks, offering each moment as an act of love and recognising Christ in every person he encountered. Fr McVerry reminds readers that “We live amongst saints,” often meeting them in ordinary people whose quiet, faithful lives may go unnoticed, yet are among the greatest in God’s kingdom.
Fr. Willie Purcell, director of Vocations Ireland, highlights the significance of vocations and the powerful role of community support in nurturing them. He writes, “Vocations are a gift from God, and gifts are meant to be asked for. When parents and grandparents pray for their children to be open to God’s call, they take part in the mystery of discernment. Often, these quiet prayers bear fruit years later in ways no one could have anticipated.”
Gerry O’Hanlon SJ contributes a reflection on Pentecost, describing it as the “Birthday of the Church.” He contrasts the unity experienced at Pentecost with the division symbolised by the Tower of Babel, noting that Pentecost brings about a unity that embraces diversity rather than erases it.
Theologian and spiritual director Brian Grogan SJ offers insight into what it means to “Tell the story well.” He recounts an experience of Pedro Arrupe in Japan. Despite his limited grasp of Japanese, Fr Arrupe gave catechetical talks with great dedication. When he later asked a quiet attendee if the sessions had been helpful, the man replied, “I didn’t understand a word you said, but the energy you put into your talks convinced me that what you said came from your heart and was true.”
Finally, Brendan McManus SJ, in ‘Tackling Our Demons’, reflects on Ignatius of Loyola’s practice of stepping back to observe one’s inner life. He describes this as creating a “gap” between ourselves and our emotions—a space that allows us to unmask false thoughts and reconnect with our deeper, authentic voice.
The Messenger continues its tradition of offering a wide range of regular content, including scripture reflections, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK
