When we speak Thai, the word เหมาะสม (suitable) comes up at a frequency and under circumstances that might (nearly) disturb anyone whose first language and cultural background is Anglo. This is suitable, that is suitable. A route of travel is suitable. A new gadget is suitable. Even results of scientific experiments are suitable. When I hear this way of speaking translated into English, my natural reaction is to say, “Suitable for what?”

In point of fact, there are some very good uses of the word as is. For example, in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we say เหมาะสมและชอบยิ่งนัก (it is right to give him thanks and praise, it is right and just).

Another thing for which the word เหมาะสม seems sufficient is the practice of bringing the cares of our lives and all those lives that we are intertwined with, both without choice and by choice, to the foot of the altar, to the foot of the monstrance, or to the foot of the tabernacle. In our bodily presence, we bring the humanity of our neighbours before the Humanity of Jesus. In our human memories and hopes, we come to the Eucharistic Presence for healing and more hope.

Here I’m at a loss for words. If someone were to say this is suitable, I would never dare to ask, “For what?”

It just is suitable. Nothing more or less. The word covers it all. Here we have the Humanity of Jesus and the deepest values and presence of human beings. It’s almost as if this is the analogue, model, or template of what เหมาะสม means.