A Year of Inspirers (5): Henri Nouwen & “The Return of the Prodigal Son”

Henri Nouwen has inspired me in so many ways. He was born on 24th January 1932.

“Return of the Prodigal Son” is a wonderful book by him that inspired a whole collection I wrote, called “Returning to the Father”.

Fleeing

Again and again

I have fled the hands of blessing

.

Made myself deaf

to the voice of love

.

Hardened my heart

to the close call of conscience

.

All this in the hope

I would find somewhere else

.

What I lacked

In the home

.

Of the soul

Safe in God.

.

Rembrandt’s painting of “The Return of the Prodigal Son” is at the heart of Henri Nouwen’s book.  It is an amazing painting that deserves repeated viewing.  And Nouwen wonderfully interweaves meditations on Rembrandt’s life, his own life and on the spiritual journey.

‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’ by Rembrandt

I love the way Nouwen harnesses the insights of modern psychology alongside his deep perception and experience of spirituality in this book. Jesus’ parable of “The Prodigal Son” runs in parallel to the lives of both Rembrandt and Henri Nouwen throughout, and Nouwen wonderfully elaborates on how the spiritual journey can involve rebellion, lostness and despair, as well as progress, homecoming and love.

Returning

I am on my way home

feeling the nearness of love

.

I have left the distant country

and am travelling

.

My feet keeping step

with the beating of my heart

.

As I journey

to the heart of the father.

• Inspirers
• Year of Inspirers