Yesterday my dear friend Alba dropped off this book
The Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri Nouwen
She told me about it over lunch earlier this month, and said she would give it to me.
To know Alba is to know she is spiritually connected.
Which is why and how this book was given to me to begin reading last night
-not by chance, but by a special messenger
as preparation for the Gospel today.
We all know the story Jesus told of the Prodigal Son- the spoiled younger brother who squandered his father's fortune, and who returned home after suffering hard times,
to be welcomed with love and joy
by his father
with unconditional forgiveness.
Henri Nouwen came upon the beautiful painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son, painted by Rembrandt, first as a poster- and even that reproduction impressed him deeply.
He later had the incredible opportunity to see the painting in person,
which is quite remarkable, given it is at the Hermitage in Russia.
At the Hermitage he was able to sit before the painting for hours where and let it inspire him.
It led him to incredible spiritual insights as he journeyed through life.
I have only started the book, but know I am meant to read it this Lent.
I realize these forty days are my journey within my journey.
Forgiveness and love
echo
&
echo
I too will contemplate the Rembrandt painting. Unlike Nouwen I did not get the Hermitage as planned on my one trip to Russia in 1991, interrupted by a coup that precipitated the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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