Les Miserables

[Valjean (Hugh Jackman) was caught stealing, which if it the law finds out he will be sent back to prison for good, possibly even executed. Valjean was sheltered by the Monsignor the night before.]

This is a very moving scene, and is to have repercussions for the entire film.  Why is that this scene is so important?  This is the scene where the Monsignor "has bought his soul for God."  It is this act of saying that he was not a thief, and going so far as to give him even more silver.  It is this complete act of surrender that unnerves Valjean.  This man has only to say one word and then it was the end for Valjean.  

It is a true act of charity on behalf of the Monsignor.  What value is a gift if it costs us nothing?  Pope Francis has told us as much that true charity, true love costs something.  We must die to ourselves for the sake of the other.   It is in caring for those placed in our path that we love the Lord.  Often times people wonder how they are to serve God, here is your answer.  Love those who come to your path.  Show them love, mercy, compassion.  

I assure you this is no easy task.  Just watch the faces of the women when the Monsignor goes to give him the candlesticks too.  They are horrified, that the Monsignor is going to give Valjean more silver after he had already made the choice and robbed them the night before.  People are scandalized by this complete and utter abandon for the Lord.  It is the Monsignor's job to shepherd souls and try to bring them to the Lord, as is all our jobs as Christians, and this man does it heroically.  May we find the courage to have this type of love for those that God places in our path this day, and tomorrow.