Les Mis is about the redeption and salvation of a soul, namely that of Jean Valjean. And after seeing the film version, it struck me how fitting it was that Fantine should lead Jean Valjean into heaven. And I realized that this is because we are saved by other people. Yes, it was love that saved Jean Valjean. It was his love for Cosette, whom he raised. It was his love for Marius, whom he saved from the barricade. It was his love for Fantine and his mercy even to Javert. It was the practical charity into which Jean Valjean grew that saved him, that allowed him to escape his past deeds. And we should not forget that all this was made possible by the love which was shown him by the bishop and others along the way. In a word, it was made possible by grace.
I think this is an interesting reflection for us. When we make the final transitus, the final journey home, who will lead us? You can't get to heaven on your own. So who will be the people who will take your hand and guide you there?
Take my hand, and lead me to salvation
Take my love, for love is everlasting
And remember the truth that once was spoken
To love another person is to see the face of God.
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