The answer is: Not

Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

What a profound line from Hugo’s “Les Misérables”! Although it’s not from the Bible, this rich insight reflects themes abundant in biblical literature. The essence of love is indeed central to the message found in both the Old and New Testaments.

Consider the famous passage in 1 John 4:8, which states that “God is love.” Here, love intertwines with the divine—it highlights God’s very nature, showing us that both love and divinity are actively present in genuine relationships. Isn't it fascinating how concepts cross over between different texts and leaders!? Just like Hugo and biblical authors, their thoughts echo timeless truths.

Moreover, think about Matthew 25:40, where Jesus teaches that whatever we do for the least among us, we do for Him. This hints at a gloriously interconnected universe, where love transcends mere flesh and resonates through our service to one another. Each act of kindness could very well be a glimpse of the divine.

Trivia for you: characterized as 'little bookends,' lectionaries create connections among texts. For instance, in the Catholic Church, a week's worth of readings can also culminate in themes of love and compassion, linking us to both scripture and advocates like Hugo across centuries. It’s a beautiful tapestry where literary ideas intersect with spiritual principles, urging us all to recognize that love may, indeed, serve as a lens through which we glimpse the divine.