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 … 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
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A dear friend gave me this life-changing book about 14 years ago. I have read this book several times. I always keep a copy for myself and have purchased at least 11 copies to give to others. I am captivated by the writings of Nouwen and his story. I can’t say enough about this particular book!
Henri Nouwen always challenges me and this book is no different. As he allows Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal” to speak to his heart Nouwen shares what he learns with all of us. Many of us can see within our own lives pieces of the younger or older son. For many of us, we relate closer to either of the sons at different seasons of our lives. Nouwen challenges me (us) to consider the invitation to learn to move as the Father, extending grace and mercy to those who have caused us great pain and hurt.
Nouwen’s writing reveals an openness and vulnerability that breathes new life into a hurting world.
Elements of this book are truly insightful, but the theology wandering off and the author’s fixation on the subject painting take away any real value.
Thought provoking. Challenging
Fr. Nueowen is very spiritual and the back ground of 20 years to write this book is fasinating. Highly recommend to anyone seeking mercy.
Challenging and encouraging. Must reading for anyone who wants to grow in their spirit.
I was shocked and overwhelmed by the tremendous insights Henry Nouwen got from his intense study of Rembrandt’s portrait of The Prodigal Son. We had recently been to see the portrait in St. Petersburg, so I had a keen interest in hearing Henry Nouwen’s insights. They were challenging and humbling to me in my own spiritual walk. I highly recommend this book.
Noumen at his best. His interpretation of this Lukean will make you look at yourself and the “world” differently.
Really changed my way of looking at myself and forgiveness.
Henri Nowen writes of the impact Rembrandt’s 17th century painting of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son on his own life, revealing fresh inspiration on this familiar parable, Thought provoking and moving!
A well known priest shares his struggle to discover who he is and who he is in his relationship to God through his study and reflection on Rembrandt’s painting of the ‘Return of the Prodigal Son.’ It is a struggle we all share and to discover someone from a religious order shares that struggle reassures us that we are not alone.
A brilliant way to interpret and appreciate Rembrandt’s painting as well as Jesus’ story in the Gospel According to Luke
Very insightful and inspiring
A literally life changing book on forgiveness. The parable of the prodigal son always seems to be taught from the perspective of the lost son. This book is more from the perspective of the waiting father. I could not recommend this book more. Have read and re-read multiple times and there’s always something new to learn
this is the next best thing to actually doing the reflective practice Nouwen is writing about. Great for spiritually contemplative reading.
Loved this book. Showed the Lord’s unconditional love, faithfulness and grace. Great read.