Front Porches
Contemporary homes have a faux front porch. It’s a bit of dressing up the front of a house. As for sitting out on the front porch, it’s just not done. We are now on a deck or patio at the back of the house.
But what does a front porch have to do with asking? When we are close to other folks, being visible and communicative, we all have established ourselves in a neighborhood and are more willing to ask for a cup of sugar needed to bake a cake or offer a cup of coffee. Having neighbors who embrace giving and receiving is a real blessing. Herein lies a faith in humanity that despite all the negatives we could focus on, we choose to embrace a neighbor wherever we go.
Contrary to such an idyllic state, we find that asking is difficult. We are such an independent sort with a can-do attitude. Yet, we must meet the call. Jesus sat at dinner with some questionable characters and gave instructions which at the heart of these instructions is Jesus’ invitation – Follow me.
However, an invitation is not complete until it is accepted. The “giving” needs a “receiving.” A “receiving” requires a “giving” of acceptance.
We have heard: Without cost you have received, without cost, you are to give (Matthew 10:8).
And here we share our Eymardian spirit emersed in a eucharist relationship with God, Son, and Spirit and everyone. Everyone.
Pass it on.
Prayer:
Dear God, meet us on the front porch of our lives to offer help, consolation, some joy, and a cup of coffee. Amen.