The lips are the gateway out of our words and thoughts. Is there always an alignment between what we say and what we think? Are there times when both our thoughts and words are just evil? Are we always charitable with our words even when we think we are right? Do our words always flow from pure intention – to do good? Beloved, our words really matter. And since they matter, our lips matter too – for the lips and tongue are symbols of the kind of words we speak. 

We cannot live in a meaningful society if our everyday encounter with people is filled with lies, backbiting, gossip, deceit, sycophancy, indecent talks, and others. We cannot build up one another if our words of correction are harsh, intimidating, humiliating, and ridiculing. We are made to be exhortative. Our words should be a bundle of praise to God and a tool for the upliftment of one another. That is what the Gospel teaches us. Salvation is about uplifting humanity from a place of despair to a place of hope, from desolation to consolation, from fallenness to redemption, from sinfulness to holiness.

The angel touched Isaiah’s lips and purged him of his sins, and by so doing made his mouth (and even his whole being) was made ready for the mission (Is.6:6-8). St. Paul also had a similar experience, and the result was a powerful Gospel that was worth holding unto (1Cor.15:1-2). Indeed, the Gospel is the word of truth that should colour and shape our lips. Same words turned the trio Peter, James and John from fishermen into fishers of men for the sake of salvation (Lk.5:1-11). 

We pray that the Lord will touch our lips so that our thoughts and words and our whole being may align with the truth of the Gospel.