“Contemplating Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal, one has deep compassion for the older brother. He is under the weight of his brokenness yet still stands apart from the loving embrace that would free and heal him. We pray for courage for him and for us too, to step forward into those arms.”
Faith is revealed and deepened through the visual arts. The Arts & Faith website from Loyola Press provides a marvellous series of short commentaries on famous artworks for each season of the liturgical year.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent features this painting – perhaps the most celebrated artwork depicting the well-known parable. Created near the end of Rembrandt’s life, the image is one of deep human awareness and mature spirituality.
You can access this quiet invitation to contemplation at: www.newpilgrimpath.ie.