Title: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
Author: Henri J.M. Nouwen
First published January 1, 1991
160 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780232520781 (ISBN10: 023252078X)
Rating: 4.35
Overview
Henri Nouwen’s spiritual journey began with a chance encounter with a copy of Rembrandt’s renowned painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. His reflections on the painting led him to a profound understanding of the place where God chooses to dwell.
In this book, Nouwen shares his personal meditation, bringing us along on his journey of self-discovery. This Lent course is based on the book and offers five sessions that explore the meaning of the parable in our own lives.
Whether we’ve experienced loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger, we can find solace in the themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation that persist throughout this timeless story. Through exploring the reactions of the younger son, the father, and the elder son, we can discover the transformative power of forgiveness and compassion.
About the Author
Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen, a Catholic priest and writer from the Netherlands, wrote 40 books on the spiritual life. Today, his works are widely read by both Protestants and Catholics.
Some of his more well-known titles include The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart. After teaching for nearly 20 years, he spent the rest of his life with mentally handicapped individuals at the L’Arche community in Toronto, Canada.
He passed away in 1996 from a sudden heart attack after documenting his declining health in his final book. Nouwen’s spirituality was influenced by his friendship with Jean Vanier, and he wrote about his relationship with Adam, a core member at L’Arche Daybreak, in a book titled Adam: God’s Beloved.
Nouwen’s work is a first choice for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy, as indicated by a magazine survey conducted in 2003. His diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during a serious bout with clinical depression, titled The Inner Voice of Love, is considered one of his most famous works.
In Richmond Hill, Ontario, there is a Father Henri J. M.
Nouwen Catholic Elementary School.
Editoral Review
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that explores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and homecoming. Nouwen, a Catholic priest and theologian, draws on his own experiences of struggling with his spiritual and emotional journey to craft a profound reflection on the parable of the prodigal son from the Gospel of Luke.
Published in 1991, The Return of the Prodigal Son is a work of Christian spirituality that will resonate with readers of all faiths or none. Nouwen’s writing style is contemplative and reflective, inviting the reader to walk with him through his own struggles and discoveries.
The book is both a personal confession of weakness and a profound exposition of the spiritual journey towards a deeper understanding of God and self. The plot of the book centers around Nouwen’s encounter with a painting of Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son during his visit to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The painting becomes a powerful symbol of Nouwen’s own journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation. He identifies with all three of the characters in the painting—the prodigal son who has strayed from home, the elder brother who is resentful of his father’s love for the wayward son, and the father who welcomes his son back with open arms.
Nouwen draws on his own experiences of loneliness, brokenness, and self-doubt to explore the universal themes of human longing and spiritual yearning. His writing is deeply compassionate and empathetic, capturing the pain and joy of human existence with rare grace and sensitivity.
The book also reflects on the broader social and cultural context of the parable, addressing issues of wealth and poverty, power and oppression, and the human need for love and belonging. Overall, The Return of the Prodigal Son is a beautifully written and deeply moving book that speaks to the human heart with profound truth and wisdom.
Nouwen’s writing is both poetic and accessible, making the book an excellent choice for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey or explore the deeper questions of human existence. The book is a timeless classic that has the power to change lives and transform hearts.
One potential weakness of the book is that it may be too narrowly focused on Christian spirituality for some readers. Those who are looking for a more secular or universal perspective may find the book less accessible.
Additionally, the pace of the book can be slow at times, as Nouwen lingers on certain themes and moments. With that said, The Return of the Prodigal Son is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the human condition and the spiritual journey towards forgiveness and redemption.
The book is relevant to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or belief system. It is a timeless work of art that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Rating: 4.5/5. Although the book can be slow and narrow in its focus, the quality of writing, depth of reflection, and universal themes make it a masterpiece of spiritual literature.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the human heart and the spiritual journey towards home.
