Lent, Week 2, and Chocolate

As we wrapped up the second full week of Lent, my spouse and I went to Astoria to watch the movie "Chocolat" on the big screen. The whole Taproot Community was invited, but sadly, the matinee was sold out and many of the group have young children, so a 6:30 show would interfere with most bedtime routines. Next time, we'll act early and snag matinee tickets for the group. :o)

The two of us meandered through Costco for our favorite snacks, since it was on the way, and then had sushi for dinner before the show. In the lobby, we were greeted by chocolatiers and makers of fancy hats. Both are featured in the movie. Celebrating the gift of life, we each chose a chocolate truffle and made our way downstairs for drinks in the special Liberty Theater reusable cups and then settled in for the film.

In this 25th anniversary since the film was made, I was struck once again by the potency of the messages about welcoming the stranger, having concern for the outcast, and the acts of mercy and forgiveness modeled by those on the margins.

Vianne, the main character, is a powerhouse of a traditional healer who travels to new places, pushing back against the established patriarchy and oppressive "Christian" perspectives in each town she and her child are called to. The film brings us to one such town. As she settles in and opens her chocolaterie in the midst of the "holy fast of lent", the leader of the town makes no small show of making her feel unwelcome. Yet, courageously she persists.

Despite several obstacles being placed in her way, Vienne brings about change in her gentle and generous way - through kindness, compassion and hospitality. Bringing freedom to the spiritual captives, and new sight to those who had been taught to turn a blind eye, she makes waves simply by being who she was born to be. I admire her chutzpa!

Add of course, a plethora of vibrant actors and, this is one that I love to watch time and time again. It was wonderful to see it on the big screen with my beloved! I encourage each of you to watch this movie. (You might want a cup of hot chocolate or something that you find indulgent when you do.) Pay close attention to who is on the margins. What stirs in you as you witness the storyline? Whose story needs to be heard in our own time?

Welcoming the Stranger and caring for the outcast are potent messages from the whole of Scripture. These are themes that emerge from the very beginning to the very end of our sacred texts. And yet, so often these themes are neglected by the very leaders who claim to hold the texts most dear. Such was the case in the movie, "Chocolat." So, a woman in red is called by the Winds to come into the town to bring wisdom and grace, and a reminder of their common humanity.

This inspires the coming posts for our social media, on Facebook and Instagram, which will focus on the Wisdom Woman as described in the book of Proverbs, chapter 8.

In case you missed last week's posts, I'm including the visuals below. Each one has a reflection or note with it on our social platforms, so be sure to check them out at your leisure.

And now, for me, it's time to make some hot chocolate!

~ AJ Wolff-Lynne (they/them)