Fasting is obligatory. The occasional dissident suffers social ostracism, governed by a watchful mayor. The young priest is expected to enforce the fast. As the community gathers, a woman and her daughter move into the village. She is a chocolate confectioner.
People look through the delicious window, but fear entering the store because of the imposed rules.
The woman is gracious and friendly. The temptation to taste is powerful and it is multiplied by the grace of the kind woman. Quickly we sense the quandary of wanting spiritual integrity, yet being drawn to a new perspective. The dichotomy of law and gospel, bondage and freedom, tradition and new frontier is put to the test. The taste of good chocolate in Lent helps me remember that even in this somber season, God's grace is present.