The Return of the Prodigal Son – Henri J.M. Nouwen

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

Lent Reflection

Here is the book by Henri J.M. Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son

Full Book Here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

The Ten Lent sessions here. Focus on the questions as you read each section:

One: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-one-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Two: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-two-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Three: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-three-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Four: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-four-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Five: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-five-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Six: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-six-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Seven: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-seven-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Eight: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-eight-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Nine: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-nine-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Ten: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/notes-for-week-ten-return-of-the-prodigal-son_-a-story-of-homecoming-the-henri-j.-m.-nouwen.pdf

Personal Reflection

I used this book for the recovery house community. It is a challenge for them as it is not specifically within the program parameters but the ones I ministered to were already in the next steps of recovery. Only a few made it to the end of the sessions.

For me, the book was powerful way to see, feel, touch the Lord’s love through the life of Rembrandt and Nouwen. The story is a reaction to the Prodigal Son parable. In the first instance as sacred Scripture. In the second instance as a lover of art. In the third instance in the life story of Rembrandt. In the fourth instance in the life story of Nouwen. All coming to the personal life story of my own.

I bought a large portrait reproduction of the painting and brought with me to the sessions each week. It was visible for validating the reading as presented. Then for each person attending, they took the portrait for one week to their room. For seven days to have the image and the story in their heart and mind.

I donated the Prodigal Son portrait to Sacred Heart parish Lake Worth, Florida. You can see it there. In the confessional. Where the penitent can see it and absorb it while they confess through the screened partition into the heart of the Father.

Let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.

First Reading

Shepherd your people with your staff.

Responsorial

The Lord is kind and merciful.

Gospel Acclamation

I will get up and go to my father and shall say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

Gospel

But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry