This book is part story and part reflection. Nouwen relates how his encounter with a poster copy of Rembrandt’s painting “Return of the Prodigal Son” set him on a life changing journey. He became fascinated with the painting, eventually travelling to the Hermitage in St Petersburg to view the original. He sat before the painting initially for two days, examining the many intricacies of the subjects and how Rembrandt captured their roles in the parable’s drama and reflected their thoughts and moods.
Nouwen then reflects upon his own life and how he progressively identified his personal journey with the principal characters of the prodigal son, the indignant older brother and the forgiving and loving father. The reader is encouraged through Nouwen’s writing to similarly identify with the characters and to reflect on the spiritual implications for themselves.
Henri Nouwen subsequently decided to leave his University teaching career (Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard) to work with the severely disabled in the L’Arche community in Ontario, Canada, a move which he found challenging and rewarding. He spent the last 10 years of his life there.
I personally found this a thoroughly enjoyable and insightful piece of writing. It has given me a much richer understanding of this well-known parable. Available on loan from Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Brisbane or for purchase from Booktopia for about US$20 (plus postage).
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