So what is the "Porch of Lent?" I didn't know the first four days of Lent were called the "Porch of Lent." These days are the entryway into Lent to help us get the feel of this "40-day" season. That's what I read in the "Little Black Book" anyway.*
From the porch I remember a recent story on the ten o'clock news encouraged people to begin taking little steps to conserve water. The reporter suggested not leaving the water run while brushing your teeth. He encouraged us to take shorter showers. He also recommended only washing full loads of laundry and running the dishwasher only when it is full. I also learned that on average flushing the toilet accounts for 40% of a household's use of water.
As I prepared for bed that night I did turn the water off as I brushed my teeth. Not something I always do. Because of that story I became aware of my use of water and chose to make a change.
Like the story on water, my Lenten practice frees me to become aware of the wasteful, unhealthy, sinful and hurtful actions in my life. Fasting, almsgiving and prayer are the traditional tools of Lenten practice. I do struggle with my use or misuse of food. The Friday abstinence from meat is more an inconvenience than a true penance. Gone are the fish sticks of my youth. How blessed am I to have access to shrimp, halibut, salmon or cod on those meatless days. Even my acts of penance provide a rich and flavorful experience. The menu conspires to blind me to the gift of this season.
My feel for the season warns me to stay alert and watchful. I pray on the porch of Lent that these days will fully prepare me to celebrate the new life of Easter.
"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth." (Ps 86:11ab)
*"The Little Black Book" published by the Diocese of Saginaw, 2006. www.dioceseofsaginaw.org
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