Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Bishop Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture. For more visit www.wordonfire.org
Valjean didn't steal the candleholders. He stole the silverware and silver dishes. After he was caught, brought back to the Bishop of Digne, and excused by him, the Bishop gave him the candleholders as a final act of generosity. "But my friend, you left so early, surely something slipped your mind. You forgot I gave these also, would you leave the best behind?"
Father Barron, thank you for this wonderful commentary. I'm a law student. Les Miserable is a beautiful story! My law professor made us watch it. And you video helped me articulate the important themes in the film. I hope its okay if I cite your video in my paper. Thanks you!
I love Les Misérables and I would highly recommend the recording of the 25th Anniversary show to anyone who can't see it performed in person. Even at a time when I felt that I was completely without faith in God, the deeply religious encore version of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" had me in tears. Despite my atheism at that time, I feel like my reaction evidenced a deep longing for God within me, and feel that other people lost in apostasy and atheism might benefit from it in the same way.
Fr. Barron, It's very pleasing to me that a film I admire because of, what I thought, is it's Christian theme, is one that you speak about. Maybe I am on the right track! I watch your dvds over and over, especially "The Eucharist" and am constantly amazed of your gift of communication! I will continue to pray for all that you do and for Word of Fire. One of the most beautiful things about the Catholic faith is that every now and then a priest like you comes along to make what was cloudy, clear. I think I am praying for the future 1st American pope. God bless you, Fr. Barron. I am so thankful you became a priest.
Excellent review Father! I hadn't seen any version of Les Mis (I'm more of a Hunchback of Notre Dame fan), but my girlfriend brought me to see this and I'm not ashamed to admit that the redemption and grace of the ending brought me to tears.
First comment!! I loved this movie...I've known every word to every song since I was 10, and it was wonderful to see it alive in front of me since I've never been able to see the musical. Thanks Fr Barron!
Re the scene with the bishop: Father Barron, I fully agree with what you say here. For so long, we've seen a focus on when the clergy is bad. This particular story, in all its forms, shows when the clergy and religious are good, they are very, very good; and the kind of profound change men and women of faith can have on one another. As for this particular musical, I think it's the best movie-musical ever done. Brilliantly done.
Hey Fr. while I am not a religious person, I really enjoy your film commentary films. You bring an interesting perspective and interpretation to the films you look at. Thank you! Keep it up!
Fr Barron, Thank you so much for your commentary. Indeed, not only for this one bot for all your work through Word on Fire. Just two - not that important - things, though: It's Valjean's newphew that was starving "My sister's child was close to death / we were starving" and the Bishop gave Valjean the candlesticks after he was forced to bring back the silverwear by the police officers. But, again, brilliant commentary! You have my prayers.
As always, Fr. Barron, awesome commentary. Thank you! I believe Valjean stole silver wares from the Bishop, but they did not include the silver candlesticks. When returned to the Bishop, however, he told Valjean (in front of the police) that he forgot his gift of the silver candlesticks. Valjean seemed to have kept the silver candlesticks as treasured reminders of the generosity he received and desired to share with others. Powerful.
@ AssembleiaRemo I love this movie, book, play. Haven't seen this version yet though. Love this Cahtholic Priest equally as well. Never insulting, & long on logic with reason! Kind too.
Peace and heartfelt warm regards. We need to be more like Jean Valjean, yes? To pay it forward according to need in society. Sometimes by omission we are like; Javert sometimes. When a great need arises so many are hurt for lack of knowledge; leaving an internal despair, sometime masked by escapism and euphoric unconscious denial. Doesn't the Kerygma entail giving cold drinks of water --- of hope in a big way in proportion to an individual or society heartbreaking situation? Shouldn't we be offering Grace, a hope & a future with remedies already in place; by heralding them, multiplying them, even fundraising and diligently recruiting for them? Doesn't omitting them leave those without knowledge hurt by The Law, at least interiorly, and helpless bystanders that could be spared much pain; hurting? ~It took me a very long time to understand Grace. What is Love? Well one way The Holy Bible defines this is living in Covenant relationship with God. God always fulfills God's Covenant with us. God *always* Observes The Law of Happiness. Yes, God gives The Law knowing full well that we need God's Grace in a fallen state to begin to be healed into *wanting* to live by The Law and learning to cooperate with God's Divine not Merited by us Favor to live by The Law more and more. God could have chosen any way in God's unquenchable Power to heal humanity's mortal wound in choosing not to stay in a state of Grace; but letting our freewill choose the seed of selfishness --- not heeding the Source of the fulfillment of all desire; what truly makes each of us and one another live in happiness and harmony with God and one another. We see the ultimate limits of free will not aligned with God all around us in bitter suffering and killing; especially with children & other helpless marginalized every single day. However, God gave us a remedy. Namely Jesus Christ One in Divine Being with The Father in Perfect relationship with The Holy Spirit --- the Personas or Persons of Creator, Redeemer (Savior, Healer), and Sanctifier. In God's Almighty Grace, Benevolence, Goodness, and Immense Magnanimous Favor; God Literally experiences all unearned suffering through Jesus Christ's Life, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, Sending The Holy Spirit, Continual Almighty Divine Mediating Priesthood at The Right Hand of God - so His One Sacrifice in Time as The Lamb of God is Perpetuated for us to Receive a Participation in His Living Body & Giving Life Is In The Blood Libation Physically for our Bodies and Souls; (Dr. Scott Hahn taught that the Jews of higher Spiritual thinking taught that at each Passover, all of Israel was Spiritually made Present in Time at The original Passover --- so at The Sacrifice of The Mass, which happens 24/7 at someplace in the world or close to it --- we are Spiritually made Present in Time at the Life, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ Jesus.); to continue as KING of Kings & LORD of Lords --- God continually Brings a people to Himself. (As a careful understanding of The Scriptures Teach - and The Church Teaches - this includes those by The Grace of God who honestly live a life of God's Goodwill & have an honest lack of knowledge of just Whom Jesus Christ and His Church is; and are considered among the givers to and receivers as the least of His Brethren - for Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:31-46 claims more than Solidarity with them --- He claims they are also by Baptism of Ordeal, part of His Body. ~ We who have the Divine not Merited Favor to receive the Bread & Wine for God's Strength in the InDwelling; need to have the same Solidarity with every human person that suffers unearned suffering from the instant of conception until a natural last breath. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 This certainly means a response as much as a person and the whole Church can muster for the suffering parents (needing knowledge of earthly help for themselves & the children affirmed or reaffirmed heralded loudly in society no matter the media bias; and having been given that knowledge the truth of the life of the child in the womb) and solidarity with the children in the womb. No one but God knows the suffering of a soul, whose whole existence is known before the womb in need of all of our protection --- which quite naturally has an ardent earnest fervent desire to live. But higher Spiritual thinkers in the Church who can at least think transcendentally --- should at least think of the great omission not striving nearly enough to herald & exhort from every parish and (Ecumenically every congregation to live up to Evangelium Vitae and "Living The Gospel of Life," in a creative sustained way for every facet of this need. Since the 1990s, their are reports of a certain 'hush, hush," across the land. How much is God's Good Grace presumed upon for the various reasons the steward of continually exhorting the Laity to do all they are able in every facet of 'We The People?' Only God knows the immense omission out of lack of building bridges of solidarity with these children' parents; and the children in the womb themselves. "The Law was given so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness, to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? By no means! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" - Romans 5:20-6:2 "For pure and holy ministry before God The Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their affliction, and for a man to keep his soul without defilement from the world." - James 1:27 So many in the hedgerows and highways of society are left orphaned to lack of knowledge of help available and the life of the child. The Grace of God gave many remedies to be heralded across the land like Good Counsel Homes (and other maternal care centers); Sisters of Life & CoWorkers for Life --- and various and heartfelt sundry ways to raise awareness like The 40 Days For Life; to provide help; and to herald awareness across the land to battle the media and other facets of society bias. Isn't this a good request to The Bishops and Clergy? To begin to herald, exhort, multiply, recruit, and fund raise already available remedies? To live up to the Sacredness of Life legacy with such a tremendous need, n'est pas?
I love your videos and this one was similarly absolutely wonderful--thank you! It is funny to me that people keep wondering why this movie has affected viewers so deeply. Stories of God's grace and love are always this powerful! We were created, inherently, to be affected by Him this way! Side note: So glad they had the original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, play such an integral part in the movie! By far the best singer ever!
Fr. Barron, thanks for this great commentary, can I ask, what do you think of the movie Life of Pi?? It's causing a great philosophical-theological debate everywhere over the true meaning of the film and I think your commentary on the film would be great.
Father Barron, can you please make a video commenting on the Eastern Orthodox Church and what is the Catholic Church's relation to it? Similarities and divides that need to be overcome?
Terry Long You are absolutely correct, Terry. I have had people say Russell Crowe was a bad choice for the part but I think he was great! I can't imaging anyone else doing it!
I never understood why people feel the need to assert that they're not Christian on comments like this. It's so covertly disrespectful and so easy to read through. You're not fucking special. How I read comments like this: "I'm so edgy and cool because I don't automatically want to eradicate anything I see that's Christian, but I still think your religion is dumb and you're fucking stupid for believing it. Christ's sacrifice means absolutely nothing to me, because I'm a super cool edge fedora-tipping atheist who feels superior to anyone who would lower themselves to believing in a sky god"
I suffered a massive nervous breakdown 10 years ago that put me in the hospital. I got addicted to benzos, then got off them after going through hell - numerous panic attacks, terror, rage, despair and horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I lost my career, lost relationships and strained my family life. My brain is still not the same and bursts of terror upon waking are a common experience. My essentially Buddhist belief in a primordial consciousness underlying existence helped keep me from committing suicide, and rigorous meditation practice and healers helped me to deal with all of the mental and physical anguish that I encountered. I cannot believe in the idea of the Christian god and other precepts such as an eternal afterlife and an eternal soul because it does not accord with my scientific mentality and my personal experience, gained from close introspection of moment-to-moment awareness, of what exactly a mind is, and what existence is. But the idea of a suffering god as in Jesus' example is very powerful and has helped me process my own suffering. Also, his life accords well with the examples of other great beings that have lived much closer to the present, so I believe he could well have been the kind of person he was said to have been. What is that about being a Christian? Judge not lest ye be judged? Do not presume to know who I am because of a single sentence in a TH-cam comment.
Well, as long as he is referring to Catholicism regardless of which word he uses, then there is no problem. In any case, a very insightful video. Thumbs up!
Father Baron, I appreciate your videos and ministry. Thank you. I have, however, noticed that lately you say "Catholic" where you used to say "Christian". In the final part of this video you say that a retelling of the Gospel is fundamentally a Catholic project. Do you mean to say that the Gospel is exclusively Catholic? Respectfully yours, JO
I grew up a Christian(Protestant united church) but I grew up distancing from the god of which you speak, i think it was caused from my loss in faith when I faced loss of loved ones, I questioned why a all loving god would swipe such relationships I had Away and eventually I simply fell out of belief and replacing of love for him. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found my own faith in paganism, it is not a sad story but one which a relationship with me and god wasn’t and still isn’t possible and yet I do wonder and look back on those nostalgic moments of my youth where I was more fervent with my faith and I wonder if I shall go to hell, I like to believe I do as much selfless good as I can, I try to help others because I enjoy it, and I wonder if that’s not enough, I wonder if it is the Christian god we meet during a judgement and if he is who got it right? I suppose it belongs to your faith in him but I’ve seen people with the same amount of faith countless amazing people, is condemnation to hell meant to these people as well as myself... but I suppose it’s not worth worrying about, after all, we may find someone new or we may all go to hell leaving heaven empty except the angels and our lord, cause I find myself fearing even if I desperately tried with every fibre of my being to try and accept your god again, I wonder if I’d even do it right, and with too many ways of doing it right, I wonder if he even cares how we worship him and if he cares if we do at all...
Hi Fr Barron. I can't help but notice that on your bookshelf there is Frank Sheed's "Theology and Sanity". I just bought myself a copy, and was wondering if you think it is any good?
Les Miserables (1998) is my version. Liam Neeson is very convincing as Jean Valjean, & Claire Danes is my favorite actress for not just her portrayal of Cosette, but I loved her in this great & terribly awesome movie Brokedown Palace (1999), In 2010, she appeared in the HBO Production, Temple Grandin (2010) (TV), playing the title character. She received huge critical acclaim for the role, and won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance. Thanks 4 ur recommendation
2 So as he's wrestling with anger against Javert's cold indifference, he sees Fontine and takes pity on her, and he finds out it was because of his cold indifference that she was sent away. "Oh King Saul, you are that man." That's the big turning point for Jean; he abandons his life as mayor, confesses himself as a criminal to the world, and devotes himself to raising Cosette in love, and that's when grace and forgiveness enters his life in full force.
I think of the conflict between Javert vs Valjean as a metaphor for the war which Christianty wages against itself. Javert represents the judgment & punishment aspect of Christianity. The wages of sin are death - Inspector Javert is the paymaster. Valjean plays the side of Christianity which is about mercy & redemption. In the end Javert straddled the fence and the opposing forces ripped him in two. That same battle rages on in our world. It's the paradox of Christianity.
Dear xchampx, the Bible canon (while it was re-iterated at Trent) was already accepted by the time of councils of Carthage in 397 and 419. (Likely it was accepted at the Synod of Hippo in 393, although no direct record remains.) Nevertheless the deutero-canonical books were widely accepted by the faithful for at least a millennium before Luther. In fact if look at the Orthodox canons you will see that most of the 'apocrypha' are widely accepted even by Churches separate from Rome.
something to the effect that hell is a door that is locked from the inside (maybe it was C. S. Lewis). We use our freedom of choice, our liberty, to refuse grace, to refuse the good, to refuse justice, either by acts of omission or commission. Also, from what I understand of Father Barron's presentation of God, God hates what deforms us, sin, not us as such. Father is fond of quoting St. Irenaeus's maxim, "The glory of God is man fully alive." He created us in love, redeemed us in love,
I love Les Miserables and have found there is more than just the story of Valjean. There are so many other examples in the musical of Christian themes. For example, Fantine's love for Cosette and her willingness to do anything to take care of her child is selfless love. Eponine dies for Marius and helps him find CosetteThe students die for the idea of liberty and equality for the poor so that they may find mercy. Hugo had many themes, but overall, he has this theme of selfless love.
To answer your question the short way, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches are the same Church established by Christ. Both hold to the same faith and morality with slight differences in perspectives. We are spiritually united in Christ, but physically divided. It's a perplexing story (to me anyways) about a schism that began with the separation of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern halves. Just a sad footnote in human history that may, one day, be resolved.
Why are you wasting time criticizing it? Drawing out the sacred from secular pop-culture often has a greater chance of converting hearts than all the lectures of on doctrine in the world. We all have our missions. Mother Angelica is to teach on those things, Fr. Barron is to reach out in this way. The real question is why do you want everyone to evangelize in the same way? And if you truly feel that way, what are you doing about it?
The relationship between, and comparison of, Javert and Valjean can also be seen as the comparison between Law and Grace (Old and New Testament). The former, one must pay and sacrifice for transgressions. While the latter holds no judgement or bitterness and is founded in forgiveness and compassion (Agape). *A few mistakes were made in the details, but the video was quite good - thank you!
That's a false narrative and a Gnostic heresy. Christ said he came to fulfill the law not to destroy it. The new testament is the fulfillment of the old, fulfilled in Christ. Law, justice, grace, and mercy are presented so in both the old and new. We must look with a hermeneutic of continuity between old and new testament
+JoshEl So, Josh, why do you think (erroneously) that my simple and accurate statement (a repetition and confirming of what the Bishop said) is Gnostic and heretical? I'd be amused to know.
+georgedebleu I apologize for sounding too harsh, but you seem to compare the old testament to unforgiving Law vs New Testament of unending mercy as if the two were seperable. This is Gnostic theology where they proclaim that the old testament saw an "evil" God bent on pure divine judgement while the new testament saw the "Good" God as merciful and loving. The two testaments are inseparable and both speak the truth of justice and mercy both going hand in hand. God offers both justice and judgment in the new and old and therefore the message in the old is not seperated through Christ but fulfilled and continued in the new testament.
+JoshEl As an aid to help you in the formulation of you reply, re-read what was written, think about it in the context of the conversation (the replies to to the video): the contextual relation to the topic and story: the theological context and, ultimately the Scriptural context. Watch the video again. Read my post again. Think about it in the light of Holy Scriptute. View my reply as if you were a non-believer or prodigal seeking Grace. After this, refrain from any additional erroneous and ignorant replies. :)
+JoshEl Well said - but you misread and misunderstood what was written. If you read carefully, you see a very simple and concise comparison of the Law (OT) - where you must pay for your transgression or make temporary atonement under the Levitical Law - and Grace (NT) where the atonement was made for us and Redemption obtained through Christ Jesus. Nowhere were the attributes of the demiurge attributed to God nor were any Gnostic presentations made or implied. The misunderstanding was entirely on your part.
the deuterocanon and the apocrypha are the same thing, maybe that caused some confusion, what I am saying is not that the writings of the early church are inspired like the scripture what I'm saying is that the books Luther dropped were considered scripture from the begining of the church and that both the Apostles and the early Christians quoted them like they did any other scripture. see Mt 7:12 and Tobit 4:15, the Golden rule is a restating of this passage from Tobit, there are many more
sorry 500 characters is not enough to carry on a conversation like this :) If you are interested I can provide you with numerous other instances of the NT quoting the books Luther threw out, and if you want we could correspond in a different format, email maybe because like I said 500 characters is not enough, God bless you and keep watching Fr Barron. Also just out of curiosity what protestant tradition do you belong to?
sanctifies us in love. God wants us to image Christ. Therefore His hatred is directed at what makes us less than His merciful plan for us - perfect holiness. Again, I'm not speaking for Father Barron and don't fancy myself his equal but I was drawn to the video because my mother has a mistaken notion regarding the movie and I wanted to copy/paste the URL to offer an interpretation from a Catholic/Christian point of view and was intrigued by your choice of words because I was once a Baptist.
Hugo wasn't any kind of a Christian. Though he grew up Catholic (obviously, in 19th century France), he developed a kind of radical Deism in his adult years. When it was released, Les Mis was mercilessly attacked by the Catholic press and was on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum until 1959 (Hunchback nof Notre Dame still is). He forsook a Catholic funeral and is buried at the secular Pantheon in Paris. Which makes all of this deliciously ironic. God's Grace is indefatigable!
Another thing. If the Pope decided (and the church) that there was no Trinity anymore and that God is 3 different Gods. Do you then go by that teaching, or do you stick by what the Apostles taught?
Reply to baptismal regeneration Hey! What about Titus 3:5? "not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,"
The only thing taken out was the apocrypha. If it wasn't tied to an apostle or a close follower (Mark and Luke) then throw it out. Not to say those other things are 'bad'. 1 Clement and stuff were good things to read but they were not inspired.
Second curious question, then: So who has it right? The Catholic Church? The Orthodox Church? One of the 33,000+ Protestant denominations? Or just you?
Hmmm...I may be ignorant of this but if you could provide me some proofs and examples I would love to learn. You can PM me or something. I am humble enough to admit when I'm wrong. I just haven't heard of it. Thanks and God bless.
Do you see Javert as a villain? He strikes me as an man of principles and honor doing what he sees as God's work. The conflict is between Javert's law & justice and Valjean's love & compassion.
Ateneo de Manila (Loyola Schools) University: School of Law, Metro Manila, Philippines :) Thanks again! And I love watching your videos! But I wish you came here for "Catholicism."
but the deuterocanonicals were considered part of scripture from apostolic times, to say they werent deemed scripture until trent is like saying the trinity was invented in 325, because thats when it was formally declared. the septuagint was the version of the bible used by Christ and the Apostles and it has all the Catholic books. there are quotes in the NT which are basically verbatum from these books and the earliest Christians quoted them as they did any other books of scripture
Thank-you for explaining the movie to me. I saw it a couple of months ago and found it tiresome, noisy, overblown and irritating. The next day I was talking to a very intelligent, well-read woman who loved the new film version and said it had moved her to tears. So I am very dissatisfied with my own reaction to the film - I just don't get it. (For example WHY had the police chief pursued Valjean for decades? What was the point?) But I'll watch it again sometime, in the light of your commentary.
"An ambiguous relationship with the church"? He was denounced from the pulpit across France, and he himself refused the offer of last rites even after receiving a personal letter from a Cardinal.
The angels look down from the cold starry sky They know Death and destruction will be sown below until the Son is compassed as the Pole Only then will Justice kiss Mercy and Peace reign The Law was never revoked the Principle, Caritas, remains the rest is dross
Let me ask you this. Was Paul telling the truth when he said in 1 Tomothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," or was he lying and it is really Mary? Now take note: I am not calling you an idolater or judging you but answer this question. Thanks.
Another aspect to these characters is that Javert, the stone-hearted, unforgiving policeman thinks of himself as the instrument of God. On the other hand, Valjean who is motivated by compassion & love regards himself as a wretched sinner. Definitely a Christian theme.
1 Liked the commentary! But maybe you've maybe oversimplified it. Jean takes the silver and becomes an honest productive citizen, but he's focused mainly on "wordly deeds" and productivity, and he's still burning with anger against Javert and the law. Now though, Jean basically IS the law as mayor. What does he do as law? Just as he was sent to jail for the "crime" of taking bread for a child, he allows his foreman to send Fontine to the gutter for the much lesser "crime" of being a single Mom
I think i'ts because he loves us. If a father sees his 2 year old child walking on a busy road the father will probably get angry. That does not mean he does not love, but that means he love the child so much that he wants to protect him. Thats what i think. God bless you!
Well I think all 3 have it right. There are many messed up and good catholic churches. There are many messed up and good Orthodox churches and there are many messed up and good Protesant churches. I don't really look at it from that point of view. It's about how can we be honoring to God the most? How can we remain sound in the word of God and love Christ how he wants us to.
The problem with this approach is that you put your conscience and reason as the final arbiter of what is truth. In a sense you are your own pope. A Catholic understands that even his conscience need forming and assents to the Church's teachings as truth even if he may not currently perceive them as truth.
All 3 have it right? Really?? If all three main churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) taught and agreed the same thing then we wouldn't have had the Great Schism, the Reformation, and all the subsequent splitting and creating of churches that we've seen during the last 500 years. I'm all in favor of honoring God and spreading the love of Christ, but surely you believe that Jesus also gave us a Church (Matthew 16:18) that would continue to lead and guide us in the Truth.
Actually that's exactly who Javert was. He was born & grew up in a prison, & it was in prison where he formulated his belief that criminals are immutable. Unfortunately, like the generals who send in drones to murder people for America's interests, his view of the world was corrupted by being devoid of grace & sympathy for other people as they are in the reality of their lives. His response to cruelty was just as cruel as if he had become a criminal, & in the end it was cruelest to himself.
'sending up drones to protect American interests'. Whoa. If civilian death can be performed without remorse or accountancy, we have to subtract the Hero honors from it. Some reckoning is due this program. Do appreciate the rest of your comment though.
Oz never did give nothin' to the Tin Man That he didn't -- didn't already have. And cause never was the reason for the evenin' Or the Tropic of Sir Gallahad.
Without Javert, Valjean is not as much of a hero, and without Valjean, Javert is not as much a villain. They need each other, one to be glorified, the other to be debased. This always struck me as unfair. I mean, who knows, perhaps Javert was a horribly abused child, who could have grown up to be really despicable, but chose to be a cop instead. Maybe Javert was somewhat heroic, just like the generals in Afganistan and Pakistan, sending up drones to protect American interests.
Well, you're on the right track, but consider this: any sort of writing can be interpret in many different ways. (in fact it's bound to as society and culture changes) and so you need an infallible interpreter to go with the infallible Bible. In other words, it makes no sense to trust the Bible if you can't trust the Church that wrote it. The Bible itself admits that it must be accompanied by tradition. Ask yourself this: who gave Luther the authority to remove 7 books of the Bible?
Friend, might I suggest that your anger (your word) clouds your judgement in this matter. Is there error in many Hollywood films? Of course. Is there truth and beauty and goodness as well? Absolutely. The value of providing a theological commentary on a popular film, as Father Barron does, is that people are already watching it, and are therefore predisposed to receive the truth in it.
The burning of Huss was a grave error. So was the dropping of atomic weapons on Japan. And the sacking of Constantinople in 1204. Also, the atrocities of 1182 in Constantinople. I truly despise the Spanish Inquisition, except for the lives that it probably saved from the persecutions of the civil authorities. I abhor the excesses of the Peasant Wars. I especially regret the Nazi holocaust of the Jews and the purges of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, and the fact that I am a sinful, unforgiving bastard.
Luther never removed books from the bible. The Apocrypha was not deemed scriptures until 1545 until the counsil of Trent until centuries after the council of nicea. If it does not lead back to the apostles, why go by that as authoritative? As shown by history, where are going to judge correct teaching? Saying "the church" is too vague, and for even Catholics aren't universal in their beliefs. Let's stop making this a Catholic vs Protestant issue. It's a man issue and sin issue.
Dear xchampx, Catholics do not claim that the pope is morally perfect. His authority does not come from his lack of sin, but from Jesus Christ himself. In other words even hypocrites can teach the right thing. For an example of how this works see Mt 23:3. I would also like to point out that indulgences are consistent with Christianity and still taught by the Church, however, the popular understanding of indulgences at Luther's time is heretical.
It's not what goes into our bodies that defiles us. You'll love this movie too: Quiz Show Congressman Derounian: I'm happy that you've made the statement. But I cannot agree with most of my colleagues. See, I don't think an adult of your intelligence should be commended for simply, at long last, telling the truth. Charles Van Doren is a liar and a cheat. Still love him though, he's a brilliant man. Whip Whitaker is Jesus Christ, a glutton, a wine bibber, Savior of Souls.
Look, it's okay to disagree on whether blue or green are better colours (it's blue btw lol) But when it comes to (unambiguous) moral statements, they have to be either right or wrong. To say that it doesn't matter flies in the face of the nature of Truth. There is only one Christ and therefore one Church. I don't mean to pressure you into conversion, but please keep a critical mind about your beliefs and don't dismiss uncomfortable facts because they are uncomfortable. Remember, Christ IS Truth.
Science accumulates far more questions than answers. I know about Sam Harris and he doesn't claim to know everything or the science has all the answers.
Dear xchampx, you present a false dichotomy. Jesus is truly the only mediator between God and Man and yet Mary participates in this mediation of Jesus. I would also like to mention that while probably true, Mary’s role as Co-Redeemer and Mediatrix of grace is not a formally defined dogma of the Catholic Church yet. Furthermore, asking for Mary's intersession is not idolatry but more like asking a friend to pray for you. If you want to know more, look up "Mary, Mother of Salvation"
Do I sense a hint of political correctness in that somewhat ambiguous paragraph? Truth may very well offend and lead people to appear arrogant, but a good work that yields from it should always be cherished. But, yes, there is much corruption in the Church. Just remember, it's individuals betraying Christ Judas-style or failing/sinning due to fallen human nature. The Magisterium is infallible in its teachings of faith and morality due to apostolic succession. Otherwise, Christ is not God. :/
I always wonder why atheist trolls come to videos like this and spew their God-hatred. Do you have anything better to do? Like maybe watching the film and the review, and commenting on that? (Of course not!)
Valjean didn't steal the candleholders. He stole the silverware and silver dishes. After he was caught, brought back to the Bishop of Digne, and excused by him, the Bishop gave him the candleholders as a final act of generosity.
"But my friend, you left so early, surely something slipped your mind. You forgot I gave these also, would you leave the best behind?"
Christmas
hansi6119 is
"Woe to the man who believes in nothing."
- Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables
Father Barron, thank you for this wonderful commentary. I'm a law student. Les Miserable is a beautiful story! My law professor made us watch it. And you video helped me articulate the important themes in the film. I hope its okay if I cite your video in my paper. Thanks you!
I love Les Misérables and I would highly recommend the recording of the 25th Anniversary show to anyone who can't see it performed in person. Even at a time when I felt that I was completely without faith in God, the deeply religious encore version of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" had me in tears. Despite my atheism at that time, I feel like my reaction evidenced a deep longing for God within me, and feel that other people lost in apostasy and atheism might benefit from it in the same way.
Thank you fr Barron. Great commentary on such a beautiful film capturing the best of Christianity - how merciful and loving is out Lord. God is love.
Fr. Barron, It's very pleasing to me that a film I admire because of, what I thought, is it's Christian theme, is one that you speak about. Maybe I am on the right track! I watch your dvds over and over, especially "The Eucharist" and am constantly amazed of your gift of communication! I will continue to pray for all that you do and for Word of Fire. One of the most beautiful things about the Catholic faith is that every now and then a priest like you comes along to make what was cloudy, clear. I think I am praying for the future 1st American pope. God bless you, Fr. Barron. I am so thankful you became a priest.
Take another listen. I use both, and I do so more or less interchangeably.
every time I see the scene with the bishop I am choking back the tears, it over whelms me every time
Thank you Fr. Barron.
The absoulue BEST review I have ever watched.
Thank you Sir, for sharing your outstanding thoughts.
A great commentary Fr Barron. I just need to see the film now.
Thanks once again fr for your wonderful spirtual comentary.
Absolutely! Where are you studying law?
Excellent review Father!
I hadn't seen any version of Les Mis (I'm more of a Hunchback of Notre Dame fan), but my girlfriend brought me to see this and I'm not ashamed to admit that the redemption and grace of the ending brought me to tears.
Thanks for a marvelous review Father Barron!!! Keep up the good work :)
First comment!! I loved this movie...I've known every word to every song since I was 10, and it was wonderful to see it alive in front of me since I've never been able to see the musical. Thanks Fr Barron!
Re the scene with the bishop: Father Barron, I fully agree with what you say here. For so long, we've seen a focus on when the clergy is bad. This particular story, in all its forms, shows when the clergy and religious are good, they are very, very good; and the kind of profound change men and women of faith can have on one another. As for this particular musical, I think it's the best movie-musical ever done. Brilliantly done.
Hey Fr. while I am not a religious person, I really enjoy your film commentary films. You bring an interesting perspective and interpretation to the films you look at. Thank you! Keep it up!
Fr Barron, Thank you so much for your commentary. Indeed, not only for this one bot for all your work through Word on Fire.
Just two - not that important - things, though: It's Valjean's newphew that was starving
"My sister's child was close to death / we were starving"
and the Bishop gave Valjean the candlesticks after he was forced to bring back the silverwear by the police officers.
But, again, brilliant commentary!
You have my prayers.
As always, Fr. Barron, awesome commentary. Thank you!
I believe Valjean stole silver wares from the Bishop, but they did not include the silver candlesticks. When returned to the Bishop, however, he told Valjean (in front of the police) that he forgot his gift of the silver candlesticks. Valjean seemed to have kept the silver candlesticks as treasured reminders of the generosity he received and desired to share with others.
Powerful.
beautifully put
This is really great. All that you said about this wonderful book/movie is what drew me it. :)
@ AssembleiaRemo
I love this movie, book, play. Haven't seen this version yet though.
Love this Cahtholic Priest equally as well.
Never insulting, & long on logic with reason! Kind too.
god bless you
Peace and heartfelt warm regards. We need to be more like Jean Valjean, yes?
To pay it forward according to need in society. Sometimes by omission we are like;
Javert sometimes. When a great need arises so many are hurt for lack of knowledge;
leaving an internal despair, sometime masked by escapism and euphoric unconscious denial. Doesn't the Kerygma entail giving cold drinks of water --- of hope in a big way in proportion to an individual or society heartbreaking situation? Shouldn't we be offering Grace, a hope & a future with remedies already in place; by heralding them, multiplying them, even fundraising and diligently recruiting for them? Doesn't omitting them leave those without knowledge hurt by The Law, at least interiorly, and helpless bystanders that could be spared much pain; hurting?
~It took me a very long time to understand Grace. What is Love?
Well one way The Holy Bible defines this is living in Covenant relationship with God. God always fulfills God's Covenant with us. God *always* Observes The Law of Happiness. Yes, God gives The Law knowing full well that we need God's Grace in a fallen state to begin to be healed into *wanting* to live by The Law and learning to cooperate with God's Divine not Merited by us Favor to live by The Law more and more. God could have chosen any way in God's unquenchable Power to heal humanity's mortal wound in choosing not to stay in a state of Grace; but letting our freewill choose the seed of selfishness --- not heeding the Source of the fulfillment of all desire; what truly makes each of us and one another live in happiness and harmony with God and one another. We see the ultimate limits of free will not aligned with God all around us in bitter suffering and killing; especially with children & other helpless marginalized every single day. However, God gave us a remedy. Namely Jesus Christ One in Divine Being with The Father in Perfect relationship with The Holy Spirit --- the Personas or Persons of Creator, Redeemer (Savior, Healer), and Sanctifier.
In God's Almighty Grace, Benevolence, Goodness, and Immense Magnanimous Favor; God Literally experiences all unearned suffering through Jesus Christ's Life, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, Sending The Holy Spirit, Continual Almighty Divine Mediating Priesthood at The Right Hand of God - so His One Sacrifice in Time as The Lamb of God is Perpetuated for us to Receive a Participation in His Living Body & Giving Life Is In The Blood Libation Physically for our Bodies and Souls; (Dr. Scott Hahn taught that the Jews of higher Spiritual thinking taught that at each Passover, all of Israel was Spiritually made Present in Time at The original Passover --- so at The Sacrifice of The Mass, which happens 24/7 at someplace in the world or close to it --- we are Spiritually made Present in Time at the Life, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ Jesus.); to continue as KING of Kings & LORD of Lords --- God continually Brings a people to Himself. (As a careful understanding of The Scriptures Teach - and The Church Teaches - this includes those by The Grace of God who honestly live a life of God's Goodwill & have an honest lack of knowledge of just Whom Jesus Christ and His Church is; and are considered among the givers to and receivers as the least of His Brethren - for Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:31-46 claims more than Solidarity with them --- He claims they are also by Baptism of Ordeal, part of His Body.
~ We who have the Divine not Merited Favor to receive the Bread & Wine for God's Strength in the InDwelling; need to have the same Solidarity with every human person that suffers unearned suffering from the instant of conception until a natural last breath. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 This certainly means a response as much as a person and the whole Church can muster for the suffering parents (needing knowledge of earthly help for themselves & the children affirmed or reaffirmed heralded loudly in society no matter the media bias; and having been given that knowledge the truth of the life of the child in the womb) and solidarity with the children in the womb. No one but God knows the suffering of a soul, whose whole existence is known before the womb in need of all of our protection --- which quite naturally has an ardent earnest fervent desire to live. But higher Spiritual thinkers in the Church who can at least think transcendentally --- should at least think of the great omission not striving nearly enough to herald & exhort from every parish and (Ecumenically every congregation to live up to Evangelium Vitae and "Living The Gospel of Life," in a creative sustained way for every facet of this need. Since the 1990s, their are reports of a certain 'hush, hush," across the land. How much is God's Good Grace presumed upon for the various reasons the steward of continually exhorting the Laity to do all they are able in every facet of 'We The People?' Only God knows the immense omission out of lack of building bridges of solidarity with these children' parents; and the children in the womb themselves. "The Law was given so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness, to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? By no means! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?" - Romans 5:20-6:2 "For pure and holy ministry before God The Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their affliction, and for a man to keep his soul without defilement from the world." - James 1:27 So many in the hedgerows and highways of society are left orphaned to lack of knowledge of help available and the life of the child.
The Grace of God gave many remedies to be heralded across the land like Good Counsel Homes (and other maternal care centers); Sisters of Life & CoWorkers for Life --- and various and heartfelt sundry ways to raise awareness like The 40 Days For Life; to provide help; and to herald awareness across the land to battle the media and other facets of society bias. Isn't this a good request to The Bishops and Clergy? To begin to herald, exhort, multiply, recruit, and fund raise already available remedies? To live up to the Sacredness of Life legacy with such a tremendous need, n'est pas?
I love your videos and this one was similarly absolutely wonderful--thank you!
It is funny to me that people keep wondering why this movie has affected viewers so deeply. Stories of God's grace and love are always this powerful! We were created, inherently, to be affected by Him this way!
Side note: So glad they had the original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, play such an integral part in the movie! By far the best singer ever!
Fr. Barron, thanks for this great commentary, can I ask, what do you think of the movie Life of Pi?? It's causing a great philosophical-theological debate everywhere over the true meaning of the film and I think your commentary on the film would be great.
Father Barron, can you please make a video commenting on the Eastern Orthodox Church and what is the Catholic Church's relation to it? Similarities and divides that need to be overcome?
I'm glad they didn't try to 'modernize' Les Miserables and water down the Christian themes. I say this and I'm not a Christian.
This. Les Mis was utterly brilliant.
Terry Long You are absolutely correct, Terry. I have had people say Russell Crowe was a bad choice for the part but I think he was great! I can't imaging anyone else doing it!
Then why are you glad?
I never understood why people feel the need to assert that they're not Christian on comments like this. It's so covertly disrespectful and so easy to read through. You're not fucking special.
How I read comments like this:
"I'm so edgy and cool because I don't automatically want to eradicate anything I see that's Christian, but I still think your religion is dumb and you're fucking stupid for believing it. Christ's sacrifice means absolutely nothing to me, because I'm a super cool edge fedora-tipping atheist who feels superior to anyone who would lower themselves to believing in a sky god"
I suffered a massive nervous breakdown 10 years ago that put me in the hospital. I got addicted to benzos, then got off them after going through hell - numerous panic attacks, terror, rage, despair and horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I lost my career, lost relationships and strained my family life. My brain is still not the same and bursts of terror upon waking are a common experience. My essentially Buddhist belief in a primordial consciousness underlying existence helped keep me from committing suicide, and rigorous meditation practice and healers helped me to deal with all of the mental and physical anguish that I encountered.
I cannot believe in the idea of the Christian god and other precepts such as an eternal afterlife and an eternal soul because it does not accord with my scientific mentality and my personal experience, gained from close introspection of moment-to-moment awareness, of what exactly a mind is, and what existence is. But the idea of a suffering god as in Jesus' example is very powerful and has helped me process my own suffering. Also, his life accords well with the examples of other great beings that have lived much closer to the present, so I believe he could well have been the kind of person he was said to have been.
What is that about being a Christian? Judge not lest ye be judged? Do not presume to know who I am because of a single sentence in a TH-cam comment.
Well, as long as he is referring to Catholicism regardless of which word he uses, then there is no problem. In any case, a very insightful video. Thumbs up!
Father, I was wondering if you could do a commentary on the movie "Kingdom of Heaven". Thank you for your consideration.
Had to watch movie in class best nap ever had
Father Baron, I appreciate your videos and ministry. Thank you. I have, however, noticed that lately you say "Catholic" where you used to say "Christian". In the final part of this video you say that a retelling of the Gospel is fundamentally a Catholic project. Do you mean to say that the Gospel is exclusively Catholic?
Respectfully yours,
JO
I grew up a Christian(Protestant united church) but I grew up distancing from the god of which you speak, i think it was caused from my loss in faith when I faced loss of loved ones, I questioned why a all loving god would swipe such relationships I had Away and eventually I simply fell out of belief and replacing of love for him. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found my own faith in paganism, it is not a sad story but one which a relationship with me and god wasn’t and still isn’t possible and yet I do wonder and look back on those nostalgic moments of my youth where I was more fervent with my faith and I wonder if I shall go to hell, I like to believe I do as much selfless good as I can, I try to help others because I enjoy it, and I wonder if that’s not enough, I wonder if it is the Christian god we meet during a judgement and if he is who got it right? I suppose it belongs to your faith in him but I’ve seen people with the same amount of faith countless amazing people, is condemnation to hell meant to these people as well as myself... but I suppose it’s not worth worrying about, after all, we may find someone new or we may all go to hell leaving heaven empty except the angels and our lord, cause I find myself fearing even if I desperately tried with every fibre of my being to try and accept your god again, I wonder if I’d even do it right, and with too many ways of doing it right, I wonder if he even cares how we worship him and if he cares if we do at all...
Hi Fr Barron. I can't help but notice that on your bookshelf there is Frank Sheed's "Theology and Sanity". I just bought myself a copy, and was wondering if you think it is any good?
Les Miserables (1998) is my version. Liam Neeson is very convincing as Jean Valjean, & Claire Danes is my favorite actress for not just her portrayal of Cosette, but I loved her in this great & terribly awesome movie Brokedown Palace (1999), In 2010, she appeared in the HBO Production, Temple Grandin (2010) (TV), playing the title character. She received huge critical acclaim for the role, and won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance.
Thanks 4 ur recommendation
Father Barron, what do you think of Christian rock music as a tool for the new evangelization? Thanks!
Fr. Barron please comment on "Flight" by Zemeckis!!! I wonder what you would say :)
God bless you.
2
So as he's wrestling with anger against Javert's cold indifference, he sees Fontine and takes pity on her, and he finds out it was because of his cold indifference that she was sent away.
"Oh King Saul, you are that man."
That's the big turning point for Jean; he abandons his life as mayor, confesses himself as a criminal to the world, and devotes himself to raising Cosette in love, and that's when grace and forgiveness enters his life in full force.
I think of the conflict between Javert vs Valjean as a metaphor for the war which Christianty wages against itself. Javert represents the judgment & punishment aspect of Christianity. The wages of sin are death - Inspector Javert is the paymaster. Valjean plays the side of Christianity which is about mercy & redemption. In the end Javert straddled the fence and the opposing forces ripped him in two. That same battle rages on in our world. It's the paradox of Christianity.
Dear xchampx,
the Bible canon (while it was re-iterated at Trent) was already accepted by the time of councils of Carthage in 397 and 419. (Likely it was accepted at the Synod of Hippo in 393, although no direct record remains.)
Nevertheless the deutero-canonical books were widely accepted by the faithful for at least a millennium before Luther. In fact if look at the Orthodox canons you will see that most of the 'apocrypha' are widely accepted even by Churches separate from Rome.
Fun fact: Les Mis was put in the Index Librorum Prohibitorum by the Catholic Church.
If you don't mind sharing, I'm a little curious - What's holding you back from being Catholic?
something to the effect that hell is a door that is locked from the inside (maybe it was C. S. Lewis). We use our freedom of choice, our liberty, to refuse grace, to refuse the good, to refuse justice, either by acts of omission or commission. Also, from what I understand of Father Barron's presentation of God, God hates what deforms us, sin, not us as such. Father is fond of quoting St. Irenaeus's maxim, "The glory of God is man fully alive." He created us in love, redeemed us in love,
I love Les Miserables and have found there is more than just the story of Valjean. There are so many other examples in the musical of Christian themes. For example, Fantine's love for Cosette and her willingness to do anything to take care of her child is selfless love. Eponine dies for Marius and helps him find CosetteThe students die for the idea of liberty and equality for the poor so that they may find mercy. Hugo had many themes, but overall, he has this theme of selfless love.
As a Protestant this is my favorite Catholic Christian. :)
To answer your question the short way, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches are the same Church established by Christ. Both hold to the same faith and morality with slight differences in perspectives. We are spiritually united in Christ, but physically divided. It's a perplexing story (to me anyways) about a schism that began with the separation of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern halves. Just a sad footnote in human history that may, one day, be resolved.
Why are you wasting time criticizing it? Drawing out the sacred from secular pop-culture often has a greater chance of converting hearts than all the lectures of on doctrine in the world. We all have our missions. Mother Angelica is to teach on those things, Fr. Barron is to reach out in this way. The real question is why do you want everyone to evangelize in the same way? And if you truly feel that way, what are you doing about it?
The relationship between, and comparison of, Javert and Valjean can also be seen as the comparison between Law and Grace (Old and New Testament). The former, one must pay and sacrifice for transgressions. While the latter holds no judgement or bitterness and is founded in forgiveness and compassion (Agape). *A few mistakes were made in the details, but the video was quite good - thank you!
That's a false narrative and a Gnostic heresy. Christ said he came to fulfill the law not to destroy it. The new testament is the fulfillment of the old, fulfilled in Christ. Law, justice, grace, and mercy are presented so in both the old and new. We must look with a hermeneutic of continuity between old and new testament
+JoshEl So, Josh, why do you think (erroneously) that my simple and accurate statement (a repetition and confirming of what the Bishop said) is Gnostic and heretical? I'd be amused to know.
+georgedebleu I apologize for sounding too harsh, but you seem to compare the old testament to unforgiving Law vs New Testament of unending mercy as if the two were seperable. This is Gnostic theology where they proclaim that the old testament saw an "evil" God bent on pure divine judgement while the new testament saw the "Good" God as merciful and loving. The two testaments are inseparable and both speak the truth of justice and mercy both going hand in hand. God offers both justice and judgment in the new and old and therefore the message in the old is not seperated through Christ but fulfilled and continued in the new testament.
+JoshEl As an aid to help you in the formulation of you reply, re-read what was written, think about it in the context of the conversation (the replies to to the video): the contextual relation to the topic and story: the theological context and, ultimately the Scriptural context. Watch the video again. Read my post again. Think about it in the light of Holy Scriptute. View my reply as if you were a non-believer or prodigal seeking Grace. After this, refrain from any additional erroneous and ignorant replies. :)
+JoshEl Well said - but you misread and misunderstood what was written. If you read carefully, you see a very simple and concise comparison of the Law (OT) - where you must pay for your transgression or make temporary atonement under the Levitical Law - and Grace (NT) where the atonement was made for us and Redemption obtained through Christ Jesus. Nowhere were the attributes of the demiurge attributed to God nor were any Gnostic presentations made or implied. The misunderstanding was entirely on your part.
the deuterocanon and the apocrypha are the same thing, maybe that caused some confusion, what I am saying is not that the writings of the early church are inspired like the scripture what I'm saying is that the books Luther dropped were considered scripture from the begining of the church and that both the Apostles and the early Christians quoted them like they did any other scripture. see Mt 7:12 and Tobit 4:15, the Golden rule is a restating of this passage from Tobit, there are many more
sorry 500 characters is not enough to carry on a conversation like this :) If you are interested I can provide you with numerous other instances of the NT quoting the books Luther threw out, and if you want we could correspond in a different format, email maybe because like I said 500 characters is not enough, God bless you and keep watching Fr Barron. Also just out of curiosity what protestant tradition do you belong to?
@wordonfirevideo Is that not worth dedicating an episode to? The lack of fidelity among priests and bishops in the Church.
sanctifies us in love. God wants us to image Christ. Therefore His hatred is directed at what makes us less than His merciful plan for us - perfect holiness. Again, I'm not speaking for Father Barron and don't fancy myself his equal but I was drawn to the video because my mother has a mistaken notion regarding the movie and I wanted to copy/paste the URL to offer an interpretation from a Catholic/Christian point of view and was intrigued by your choice of words because I was once a Baptist.
Hugo wasn't any kind of a Christian. Though he grew up Catholic (obviously, in 19th century France), he developed a kind of radical Deism in his adult years. When it was released, Les Mis was mercilessly attacked by the Catholic press and was on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum until 1959 (Hunchback nof Notre Dame still is). He forsook a Catholic funeral and is buried at the secular Pantheon in Paris.
Which makes all of this deliciously ironic. God's Grace is indefatigable!
Another thing. If the Pope decided (and the church) that there was no Trinity anymore and that God is 3 different Gods. Do you then go by that teaching, or do you stick by what the Apostles taught?
Reply to baptismal regeneration
Hey! What about Titus 3:5?
"not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,"
The only thing taken out was the apocrypha. If it wasn't tied to an apostle or a close follower (Mark and Luke) then throw it out. Not to say those other things are 'bad'. 1 Clement and stuff were good things to read but they were not inspired.
Second curious question, then: So who has it right? The Catholic Church? The Orthodox Church? One of the 33,000+ Protestant denominations? Or just you?
Hmmm...I may be ignorant of this but if you could provide me some proofs and examples I would love to learn. You can PM me or something. I am humble enough to admit when I'm wrong. I just haven't heard of it. Thanks and God bless.
Do you see Javert as a villain? He strikes me as an man of principles and honor doing what he sees as God's work. The conflict is between Javert's law & justice and Valjean's love & compassion.
Ateneo de Manila (Loyola Schools) University: School of Law, Metro Manila, Philippines :) Thanks again!
And I love watching your videos! But I wish you came here for "Catholicism."
Provocative thoughts, my friend. I will ponder them.
but the deuterocanonicals were considered part of scripture from apostolic times, to say they werent deemed scripture until trent is like saying the trinity was invented in 325, because thats when it was formally declared. the septuagint was the version of the bible used by Christ and the Apostles and it has all the Catholic books. there are quotes in the NT which are basically verbatum from these books and the earliest Christians quoted them as they did any other books of scripture
He the bishop saved his soul from death
Thank-you for explaining the movie to me. I saw it a couple of months ago and found it tiresome, noisy, overblown and irritating. The next day I was talking to a very intelligent, well-read woman who loved the new film version and said it had moved her to tears. So I am very dissatisfied with my own reaction to the film - I just don't get it. (For example WHY had the police chief pursued Valjean for decades? What was the point?) But I'll watch it again sometime, in the light of your commentary.
It's okay to disagree on some of these things. They are not essentials.
Baloney. Did you hear that on the religion channel?
"An ambiguous relationship with the church"? He was denounced from the pulpit across France, and he himself refused the offer of last rites even after receiving a personal letter from a Cardinal.
I am sure that was wrong too, my friend!
The angels
look down from
the cold starry sky
They know
Death and destruction
will be sown
below
until the Son
is compassed
as the Pole
Only then will Justice
kiss Mercy
and Peace reign
The Law was never revoked
the Principle,
Caritas,
remains
the rest is dross
Let me ask you this. Was Paul telling the truth when he said in 1 Tomothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," or was he lying and it is really Mary? Now take note: I am not calling you an idolater or judging you but answer this question. Thanks.
That is exactly what I do. The bible is objective and is the word of God. Anything contrary is false teaching.
Another aspect to these characters is that Javert, the stone-hearted, unforgiving policeman thinks of himself as the instrument of God. On the other hand, Valjean who is motivated by compassion & love regards himself as a wretched sinner. Definitely a Christian theme.
1
Liked the commentary! But maybe you've maybe oversimplified it.
Jean takes the silver and becomes an honest productive citizen, but he's focused mainly on "wordly deeds" and productivity, and he's still burning with anger against Javert and the law. Now though, Jean basically IS the law as mayor.
What does he do as law? Just as he was sent to jail for the "crime" of taking bread for a child, he allows his foreman to send Fontine to the gutter for the much lesser "crime" of being a single Mom
Bishop, If God is love, why does he get angry?
I think i'ts because he loves us. If a father sees his 2 year old child walking on a busy road the father will probably get angry. That does not mean he does not love, but that means he love the child so much that he wants to protect him. Thats what i think. God bless you!
Well I think all 3 have it right. There are many messed up and good catholic churches. There are many messed up and good Orthodox churches and there are many messed up and good Protesant churches. I don't really look at it from that point of view. It's about how can we be honoring to God the most? How can we remain sound in the word of God and love Christ how he wants us to.
The problem with this approach is that you put your conscience and reason as the final arbiter of what is truth. In a sense you are your own pope. A Catholic understands that even his conscience need forming and assents to the Church's teachings as truth even if he may not currently perceive them as truth.
All 3 have it right? Really?? If all three main churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) taught and agreed the same thing then we wouldn't have had the Great Schism, the Reformation, and all the subsequent splitting and creating of churches that we've seen during the last 500 years. I'm all in favor of honoring God and spreading the love of Christ, but surely you believe that Jesus also gave us a Church (Matthew 16:18) that would continue to lead and guide us in the Truth.
Biblically I think there are some things off. Many of us are off but some things more than others with Catholic doctrine.
Actually that's exactly who Javert was. He was born & grew up in a prison, & it was in prison where he formulated his belief that criminals are immutable. Unfortunately, like the generals who send in drones to murder people for America's interests, his view of the world was corrupted by being devoid of grace & sympathy for other people as they are in the reality of their lives. His response to cruelty was just as cruel as if he had become a criminal, & in the end it was cruelest to himself.
If I only had a brain I might understand the Gallahad reference.
'sending up drones to protect American interests'. Whoa. If civilian death can be performed without remorse or accountancy, we have to subtract the Hero honors from it. Some reckoning is due this program. Do appreciate the rest of your comment though.
Interpretation without error is exclusively Catholic.
Also I don't believe its biblically correct for baptismal regeneration
You're a priest, its ok to be unforgivably Catholic!
Oz never did give nothin' to the Tin Man
That he didn't -- didn't already have.
And cause never was the reason for the evenin'
Or the Tropic of Sir Gallahad.
Without Javert, Valjean is not as much of a hero, and without Valjean, Javert is not as much a villain. They need each other, one to be glorified, the other to be debased. This always struck me as unfair. I mean, who knows, perhaps Javert was a horribly abused child, who could have grown up to be really despicable, but chose to be a cop instead. Maybe Javert was somewhat heroic, just like the generals in Afganistan and Pakistan, sending up drones to protect American interests.
Well, you're on the right track, but consider this: any sort of writing can be interpret in many different ways. (in fact it's bound to as society and culture changes) and so you need an infallible interpreter to go with the infallible Bible. In other words, it makes no sense to trust the Bible if you can't trust the Church that wrote it. The Bible itself admits that it must be accompanied by tradition. Ask yourself this: who gave Luther the authority to remove 7 books of the Bible?
This should be retitled "Les Miserable" and theosis
Friend, might I suggest that your anger (your word) clouds your judgement in this matter. Is there error in many Hollywood films? Of course. Is there truth and beauty and goodness as well? Absolutely. The value of providing a theological commentary on a popular film, as Father Barron does, is that people are already watching it, and are therefore predisposed to receive the truth in it.
The burning of Huss was a grave error. So was the dropping of atomic weapons on Japan. And the sacking of Constantinople in 1204. Also, the atrocities of 1182 in Constantinople. I truly despise the Spanish Inquisition, except for the lives that it probably saved from the persecutions of the civil authorities. I abhor the excesses of the Peasant Wars. I especially regret the Nazi holocaust of the Jews and the purges of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, and the fact that I am a sinful, unforgiving bastard.
huh?
Luther never removed books from the bible. The Apocrypha was not deemed scriptures until 1545 until the counsil of Trent until centuries after the council of nicea. If it does not lead back to the apostles, why go by that as authoritative? As shown by history, where are going to judge correct teaching? Saying "the church" is too vague, and for even Catholics aren't universal in their beliefs. Let's stop making this a Catholic vs Protestant issue. It's a man issue and sin issue.
Dear xchampx, Catholics do not claim that the pope is morally perfect. His authority does not come from his lack of sin, but from Jesus Christ himself. In other words even hypocrites can teach the right thing. For an example of how this works see Mt 23:3. I would also like to point out that indulgences are consistent with Christianity and still taught by the Church, however, the popular understanding of indulgences at Luther's time is heretical.
It's not what goes into our bodies that defiles us.
You'll love this movie too: Quiz Show
Congressman Derounian: I'm happy that you've made the statement. But I cannot agree with most of my colleagues. See, I don't think an adult of your intelligence should be commended for simply, at long last, telling the truth.
Charles Van Doren is a liar and a cheat. Still love him though, he's a brilliant man.
Whip Whitaker is Jesus Christ, a glutton, a wine bibber, Savior of Souls.
Look, it's okay to disagree on whether blue or green are better colours (it's blue btw lol) But when it comes to (unambiguous) moral statements, they have to be either right or wrong. To say that it doesn't matter flies in the face of the nature of Truth. There is only one Christ and therefore one Church. I don't mean to pressure you into conversion, but please keep a critical mind about your beliefs and don't dismiss uncomfortable facts because they are uncomfortable. Remember, Christ IS Truth.
Science accumulates far more questions than answers. I know about Sam Harris and he doesn't claim to know everything or the science has all the answers.
Dear xchampx,
you present a false dichotomy. Jesus is truly the only mediator between God and Man and yet Mary participates in this mediation of Jesus.
I would also like to mention that while probably true, Mary’s role as Co-Redeemer and Mediatrix of grace is not a formally defined dogma of the Catholic Church yet.
Furthermore, asking for Mary's intersession is not idolatry but more like asking a friend to pray for you.
If you want to know more, look up "Mary, Mother of Salvation"
Do I sense a hint of political correctness in that somewhat ambiguous paragraph? Truth may very well offend and lead people to appear arrogant, but a good work that yields from it should always be cherished. But, yes, there is much corruption in the Church. Just remember, it's individuals betraying Christ Judas-style or failing/sinning due to fallen human nature. The Magisterium is infallible in its teachings of faith and morality due to apostolic succession. Otherwise, Christ is not God. :/
I always wonder why atheist trolls come to videos like this and spew their God-hatred. Do you have anything better to do? Like maybe watching the film and the review, and commenting on that? (Of course not!)