For Thai Bishop, "The human person can never be material for sale"

In his Lent message, Mgr Philip Banchong Chaiyara, president of the Justice and Peace Commission, appeals to the faithful to "feel the needs of our neighbours,” not only our own. This special time "encourages us to seek God's mercy and bring it to less fortunate people” who endure the drought of the fields “and the drought of selfish hearts”.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Mgr Philip Banchong Chaiyara, bishop of Udon Ratchathani (in south-eastern Thailand) and president of the Justice and Peace Commission, released a Lenten message for the faithful of his diocese.

In the letter, titled I desire mercy, not sacrifice, the prelate says that the human person "can never be material for sale or the object from which to draw profit. We must learn to feel the needs of our neighbours as much as of our own and understand the true dignity and value of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God."

The bishop goes on to call on the faithful to "change our hardened hearts into hearts of flesh and blood, replace unnecessary consumption with a spirit of sacrifice, and put aside greed for a heart of love and mercy, sharing with one’s brothers."

The bishop then describes the various faces of human suffering to which Lent brings consolation.

"Every day,” he noted, “more and more children are born, growing up quickly with many responsible parents who work hard to earn food for the whole family. However, this is happening in the middle of a polluted environment and in the midst of mountains of garbage and waste generated by rich people.

“In many countries, many people have to cope with a lack of basic consumer goods, because of the drought caused by climate change and the drought of selfish hearts.”

"All of these factors require a change in behaviour, and a conduct that leads to equal sharing of society’s assets so as to return to the true will with which God created us."

For this Lent, the bishop notes, "Pope Francis asked us to fulfil a special mission, namely to live more intensely and in a special way the moment of celebration, and to experience God's mercy, which is communicated through Jesus Christ. His Holiness keeps repeating that God’s mercy shows us the way to reach the sinner, and to offer him a new look on himself so that he may convert."

Finally, “My prayer is that this Lent, Catholics will commit themselves to consider their own life based on the Word and on Pope Francis’ message in order to see their errors and correct them.”

“We must help others because they are our brothers and sisters, without unfairly taking advantage of the poor, who have no education or opportunities. Thanks to the intercession of Mary, our Mother, may God give us the strength to lead our lives according to His will."

• thailand
• lent
• philip banchong chaiyara
• udon ratchathani
• message
• pope francis
• mercy
• poverty