The Return of the Prodigal Son

Synopsis

In this Church Times 'Top 100 Best Christian Book', a chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, catapulted Henri Nouwen into a long spiritual adventure. He shares the deeply personal meditation that led him to discover the place within which God has chosen to dwell. In seizing the inspiraton that came to him through Rembrandt's depiction of the powerful Gospel story, Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son's return, the father's resoration 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 the powerful drama of the parable in a rich, captivating way. 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 is represented with new freshness and vigour for our times.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Departure

* The younger son, a reckless and selfish man, decides to leave his father's house and pursue his own fortune.
* He takes half of his father's inheritance and goes off into a distant country.
* Real-world example: A young adult leaving home to pursue a career in a big city, despite the concerns of their parents.

Chapter 2: Life in Exile

* The younger son squanders his money on reckless living and falls into poverty.
* He ends up working as a pig herder, a job considered highly degrading for a Jew.
* Real-world example: A wealthy individual losing their fortune due to poor financial decisions or addiction.

Chapter 3: The Hunger

* The younger son is starving and realizes the error of his ways.
* He remembers his father's servants who have plenty to eat and decides to return home.
* Real-world example: A homeless person experiencing hunger and desperation, longing for a better life.

Chapter 4: The Return

* The younger son sets out on his journey back to his father's house.
* As he approaches, his father sees him and is overwhelmed with joy.
* Real-world example: A long-lost family member returning home after a prolonged absence.

Chapter 5: The Welcome

* The father runs to his son, embraces him, and forgives him.
* He orders a feast to celebrate his son's return.
* Real-world example: A parent welcoming their child home after they have made a mistake or been gone for a long time.

Chapter 6: The Older Brother

* The older son, who has been working faithfully for his father, is upset by the celebration for his brother.
* He argues that his brother does not deserve to be welcomed back.
* Real-world example: Sibling rivalry or resentment towards someone who has been forgiven after wrongdoing.

Chapter 7: The Father's Response

* The father explains to his older son that he is jealous and ungracious.
* He emphasizes that his younger son has repented and that there is joy in his return.
* Real-world example: A parent trying to reconcile two siblings who are in conflict.

Chapter 8: The True Meaning

* The story of the Prodigal Son is a parable about God's love and forgiveness.
* It teaches that no matter how far we stray, God is always willing to welcome us back.
* Real-world example: A person who has sinned or gone astray but finds redemption through God's grace.