Even though there is a gentleness in the way the father’s left hand touches his son, it is not without a firm grip.”įrom Chapter 8: “How different is the father’s right hand! This hand does not hold or grasp. That hand seems not only to touch, but, with its strength, also to hold. I can see a certain pressure, especially in the thumb. The fingers are spread out and cover a large part of the Prodigal Son’s shoulder and back.
The father’s left hand touching the son’s shoulder is strong and muscular. On them all the light is concentrated on them the eyes of the bystanders are focused in them mercy becomes flesh upon them forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing come together, and through them, not only the tired son, but also the worn-out father, find their rest.”įrom Chapter 8: “It all began with the hands.
There were three parts in Nouwen’s book that grabbed my attention:įrom Chapter 7: “The true centre of Rembrandt’s painting is in the hands of the father. As the name suggests, the painting is Rembrandt’s interpretation of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11 – 32). The book essentially captures Nouwen’s reflections on a painting by renowned Dutch artist, Rembrandt (1606 – 1669) titled, The Return of the Prodigal Son. I must have been drawn to its cover and purchased it almost immediately. All of us who have experienced loneliness, dejection, jealousy or anger will respond to the persistent themes of homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation.I first came to know about the book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri Nouwen, in June 2001 at a seminar in church. Divided into five sessions, the course moves through the parable exploring our reaction to the story: the younger son's leaving and return, the father's restoration of sonship, the elder son's resentment and the father's compassion. This Lent course, which has been adapted from the book, helps us to reflect on the meaning of the parable for our own lives.
In his highly-acclaimed book of the same title, he shares the deeply personal meditation that led him to discover the place within which God has chosen to dwell. Read PDF Here > Read The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of HomecomingĪ chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, catapulted Henri Nouwen into a long spiritual adventure. Download PDF Or Read PDF The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming Download Or Full Read.ĭownload PDF Here > Download The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
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