Return of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Return of the Prodigal - Rembrandt

Henri Nouwen writes that for many of us, our spiritual journey is intimately tied to the story of the Prodigal Son. Some of us feel that we have wandered far and wide. That we have experienced many sorts of life-styles and convictions, yet, at the end of it all we feel homeless and very tired. We feel like the lost son who yearns to return to the Father’s embrace.

At other times we can relate to the elder son. Perhaps we have never run away from our spiritual home or have gotten lost in “debauchery” — either figuratively or actually. Perhaps we have always been responsible, traditional, and homebound. Yet, we may have been just as lost as the younger son, in jealousy, anger, complaining, or worst of all, the ways of self-righteousness.

Yet, Henri suggests that whether we see ourselves as the younger son or the elder son, we are called to grow up into the parent. One who welcomes others  home without asking them any questions and without wanting anything from them in return. We are called to grow up into one who transcends the ways of children. To allow our own loneliness and anger to be transformed through our sufferings and tears into welcome and gratitude.

Spiritual Discipline: Art as Contemplation (Visio Divina)
Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing") is a method for praying with images or other media.

1. Take a few moments to open your heart and mind to God.

2. When you are ready, slowly look and notice the image, taking your time to let feelings and thoughts come to you as you take in forms, figures, colors, lines, textures, and shapes.

• Which image in the picture are you drawn to?
• How does this make you feel? 
• Ponder prayerfully the reason for your various responses and what these responses might mean for you.
• What does it and the Spirit want to say, evoke, make known, or express to you as you attend to it in quiet meditation? 
• Is the Holy Spirit leading you into any conclusions, questions, insights, or next steps?

3.  In the remaining few minutes of your prayer with this image, bring to mind or jot down in a journal (whatever way is most helpful for you) the insights you want to remember, actions you are invited to take, wisdom you hope to embody, or any feelings or thoughts you wish to express. 

4.  Bring your prayer to a close by resting in God's grace and love.