An Extravagant Feast

The 1987 film Babette’s Feast tells the story of an isolated and close-knit Christian community living on the coast of Denmark in the late-1800s whose entire lives are defined by their faith, and whose diet consists of simple food like split cod and ale bread. Two older single sisters had taken in Babette, a woman who had been allowed to live with them for 14 years and serve them after fleeing the French civil war. When Babette learns that she has won 10,000 francs, she asks to serve a French meal to some of the remaining members of the community. When the sisters see that she is importing all sorts of exotic foods from France, they are concerned that something like a ‘witches’ Sabbath’ will take place and those who are invited agree that during the dinner they will set their minds on higher things, as if they had no sense of taste. Twelve sit around the extravagant table, including a cultured general who knows nothing of their vow and explains the magnificence of all the food and wine being served to them. None knew that she had been a celebrated chef in Paris and had spent all 10,000 francs on this one meal.

There are many rich layers of Christian symbolism in this film. When Jesus served the Last Supper to his 12 disciples, they barely understood who it was that served them, nor could they understand that the simple bread and wine represented the extravagance and magnificence of what was being offered: his entire life to save them.

How are our own senses dulled to the extravagance and magnificence of what Jesus has offered to us? Not only can we be dulled to the truth of the redemption and forgiveness we have from him because of his work on the cross. Our ears and eyes can be closed to the presence of the Holy Spirit who leads and empowers us and brings us the fruit of love, joy, and peace. We believe God is calling us to feast - let's not let cynicism, woundedness, fear, or distraction keep us from savouring the richness of blessing right in front of us!