A Misérable View of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Image of Fantine from Les Mis

The coronavirus pandemic is weaving in and out of our conversations, social media posts and creative endeavors. Twice, now, I’ve heard people refer to the ‘empty chairs and empty tables’ song/scene in Les Misérables. So, I thought I’d share my Misérables ponderings with you. They relate to our fears surrounding this crisis.

Poor Fantine

What a sad life!  It seemed as though Fantine had a glimmer of the good life, and then all went downhill.

After her lover left her with a child, it was obvious Fantine did her best to make amends.  She cared for and loved her daughter, and did what she thought was best for Cosette.  She lived a pure life again, signifying she had turned from her old ways, much like Valjean.  In fact, you can see the redemption aspect in both their lives.  They both turned from their old sinful ways, and, with God's help, began anew, showing that it is possible to change.

It's Not Fair!

​But, we say, Fantine never had the chance to live the new life she had begun.  Tragedy struck, from which she was never able to recover.  "It's not fair!" we shout.

At the end of the film, there is a moving and poignant scene where all those who had died were gathered at the barricade (the gate between death and life) sang a rousing and inspiring song. It still gives me the chills each time I watch it.

​We forget this important fact:  when life is this world is over, life on the other side has only begun.  

So, when we complain about the Hilters of the world, and our coronavirus crisis, we must remember that death is not the end. God offers us two after-life choices - Heaven or Hell.  

We don't need to worry about the injustice in the world.  God will make it right on the other side.  We need not fear, or take revenge, or weep. I take comfort in this verse:

Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:25b

Does this bring you comfort? How are you coping with the changes this virus has brought?