“Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed are like offerings of food placed upon a grave.
Of what use to an idol is a sacrifice? For it can neither eat nor smell. So is the one punished by the Lord; he sees with his eyes and groans as a eunuch groans when embracing a girl.
Do not give yourself over to sorrow, and do not distress yourself deliberately.
A joyful heart is life itself, and rejoicing lengthens one’s life span.
Indulge yourself and take comfort, and remove sorrow far from you, for sorrow has destroyed many, and no advantage ever comes from it.
Jealousy and anger shorten life, and anxiety brings on premature old age.
Those who are cheerful and merry at table will benefit from their food.”
— Sirach 30:18-25

Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed are like offerings of food placed upon a grave. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you. But if my face is twisted in a grimace, and my lips are busied with murmuring, then how will the marrow and fatness of your grace fill my mouth? I can long for contentment all day long, but if I purse my lips, I will starve myself.

Only a mouth that is open and ready can receive the gift and heed what is offered. A heart that is jealous and anxious and bitter will remain sealed like a tomb, hoarding its festering suffering and sorrow, and not letting the fruit of new life break open its seal. But a heart that is full of delight and thanksgiving will pour out its joy into the world. Praise and gladness will show forth from its mouth, and its tongue will taste contentment and peace.

So, Lord, open my lips. Occupy my tongue with the song of your love; that the good things you pour on me will not go to waste. Crack open my mouth with a shout of joy; that I may savor the fruit of your word.

℣: Señor, abre mis labios.

℟: Y mi boca proclamará tu alabanza.

Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo: como era en el principio, ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.