The General Prayer intention for the month of May

April 30, 2014: The Pope’s general Prayer intention for the month of May is “that the media may be instruments in the service of truth and peace”. In his message for the 48th annual World Communications Day, Pope Francis challenges us to consider how the media can either create understanding and unity or divide people. He asks, “How can we be ‘neighbourly’ in our use of the communications media?” His answer is : “We need to recover a certain sense of deliberateness and calm. And this calls for time and the ability to be silent and to listen.” Communication is not simply about talking but also listening and recognizing that, even if we disagree with the person speaking, he or she is our neighbour. “Nowadays,” Pope Francis writes, “there is a danger that certain media condition our responses so much that we fail to see our real neighbour.”
As an example of good communication, Pope Francis proposes the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples are closed in on themselves and their own ideas but Jesus listens and gently shares with them the truth about the messiah. Their hearts are set on fire by the truth and burn with love. Their dialogue with Jesus leads to a deeper encounter with him, when they recognize him in the breaking of the bread.
During the month of May, let us pray that the media may serve the truth and not manipulate people and promote half-truths or lies. May it help people to enter into dialogue with one another, so that the foundations for peace may be laid.