A chance encounter with a reproduction of
Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a
long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant
meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to
dwell.
In seizing the inspiration that came to him through Rembrandt's
depiction of the powerful Gospel story, Henri Nouwen probes the several
movements of the parable: the younger son's return, the father's restoration of
sonship, the elder son's vengefulness, and the father's compassion. In his
reflection on Rembrandt in light of his own life journey, the author evokes a
powerful drama of the parable in a rich, capativating way that is sure to
reverberate in the hearts of readers. The themes of homecoming, affirmation,
and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness,
dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as the father and be loved
as the son will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to
Christians throughout time, and here represented with a vigor and power fresh
for our times.
For all who ask, "Where has my struggle led me?" or
for those "on the road" who have had the courage to embark on the
journey but seek the illumination of a known way and safe passage, this work
will inspire and guide each time it is read.
"The Return of the
Prodigal Son is a beautiful book, as beautiful in the simple clarity of its
wisdom as in the terrible beauty of the transformation to which it calls
us."
New Oxford Review
