Dear ICS Community,

I’ve been inspired to add another book (probably) to the Headmaster’s reading list! It was actually by watching the film version before reading the story, which is almost unheard of for me. Mrs Seward and I watched the 1987 film Babette’s Feast recently, which neither of us had ever got round to seeing. It turned out to be a powerful and poignant parable of Christian grace: a grace which is extravagant, costly and unearned, being received through faith and gratitude. I’m sure it won’t spoil it for you if you want to watch it as a family film over the Fall break to say a little more about it; the film is in Danish but has subtitles.

In the film, two aging sisters lead a tiny faithful congregation, but one that has become ensnared in a religion of works and law, with bitterness, quarrels and resentment. A mysterious stranger comes among them as a humble servant, whose glorious identity is hidden from them, and lavishes a remarkable feast on these simple souls, reflecting the ‘immeasurable’ grace of God (Eph.1:7-8) which far exceeds all we could ask or imagine. By partaking in the gift of grace, its power to transform and heal is shown in confession, forgiveness, and the rediscovery of the joy of their faith.