The Rev. Robert J. McCabe, pastor of the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, has long considered the movie version of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel “Les Miserables” one of his favorite films. 

So much so that the story of protagonist Jean Valjean was the inspiration for a recent homily. 

“In the film, we see Jean Valjean praying as he is struggling to discern the right path in life to take," McCabe told his congregation. “It serves as a good reminder that we need to have prayer at the center of our decision-making process also.”

Rev. Robert J. McCabe | https://www.churchofthedivinechild.org/

Hungry and friendless in a cruel prison, Valjean meets a humble bishop who offers him tender mercy. Thus begins a conversion in Valjean’s heart that transforms him, McCabe said. 

“This encounter with the bishop is a reminder to you and to me that our interactions with people can have a profound effect on their lives,” McCabe said. “Extending mercy, forgiveness and kindness can result in healing a wounded soul.”

Valjean’s story is one of hope as he endures a series of trials and hard turns of fate. 

“We are never alone, and we should never lose hope,” McCabe told parishioners. “May that be a comfort to us as we deal with our own struggles. All of us who are suffering should keep that in our hearts.” 

To better hear the counsel of God, McCabe asked the congregation to spend more time in silence – even though sitting in silence is hard for many of us. He quoted Mother Teresa, who believed in the power of silent prayer.

“If we really want to pray, we must first learn to listen, for in the silence of the heart God speaks,” McCabe said. “Many people simply do not like silence. Sitting in silence – even briefly – can give us strength. There is a certain rest and calm that we cannot attain apart from silence. Let’s try to acquire a taste for silence. It is in that setting that our conversations with God, our prayer, will bear the most fruit.”