The Return of the Prodigal Son
Nouwen is one of my favorite writers of spiritual nonfiction. His work is self-revealing and reflective. He takes a hard look at himself, his faults, his failures, his insecurities, and then always points himself back to being beloved by God. I always find myself relating to his doubts and questions, inspired by his conclusions, and challenged by his prayers.
In The Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen shares about his first encounter with the Rembrandt painting of the same title—how he was drawn in by the figure of the younger son, wondered about the other figures in the background of the painting, and ultimately, given a message from a friend about how to respond. A print of this painting took up space in his office from that point forward.
Nouwen shares that, at first, he thought he was only the younger son—sinful and rebellious at times, in need of a homecoming. Later he realized how often he behaves as the older son in the painting and parable; the older son, while staying home has never truly been “at home” with his Father. Nouwen’s friend shared that all of us are meant to move from relating to the sons to reflecting the Father in our lives.
A truly beautiful message and encouragement to be transformed into the likeness of the Father while receiving one’s acceptance and belovedness. Highly recommend.
A favorite passage:
“For me it is amazing to experience daily the radical difference between cynicism and joy. Cynics seek darkness wherever they go. They point always to approaching dangers, impure motives, and hidden schemes. They call trust naive, care romantic, and forgiveness sentimental. They sneer at enthusiasm, ridicule spiritual fervor, and despise charismatic behavior. They consider themselves realists who see reality for what it truly is and who are not deceived by ‘escapist emotions.’ But in belittling God’s joy, their darkness only calls forth more darkness.
People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God.”
