Re-read 2022: I loved it even more this time. I believe this one is destined to be a constant returner for me. I have lent it to a few other people as well - it's a profoundly impactful book.
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Oh this book. I had no idea what a treasure I was in for.

I have read and heard lots of teaching on this passage, probably more than any other in scripture. Part of me thought "why read more?" I've read many Henri Nouwen books and although I liked them, I found them to be a bit too vague for my tastes. Sometimes I felt like he wasn't saying much. So should I read this book?

Well God knew that I would see this 50 cent book at my library and buy it... and I'm so glad I did.

Nouwen focuses not simply on the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, but on Rembrandt's painting of it. This concrete focus grounds this book more than any of his others, answering my second objection.

As for the story itself - could Nouwen bring out fresh truths from this passage? YES. This is one of those books I have quoted to friends, that has pierced my heart, and I know I will need to read again. The last chapters focus on the father in the story... and how mature Christians are called to step into fatherhood.

This is the best of his books I've read, and I have read many. Get it and read it and rejoice in the love of the Father.

"I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found."

Incredible... one of the deepest and most convicting books I've read aside from the bible itself. Simultaneously an exegesis of the parable of the prodigal son, an analysis of Rembrandt's painting and a personal reflection, this little book somehow transcends the sum of its parts. I borrowed it from the library but I'll definitely buy my own copy so I can read it again and again because some of the lessons this book teaches can't be heard enough times. It has convicted me of my sin, my self-righteousness and challenged me to live in the free embrace of the father. More than that, it is a challenge to become the father, living a radically selfless life that loves and welcomes others. As Nouwen writes: "I now see that the hands that forgive, console, heal, and offer a festive meal must become my own."

Highly recommended*

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*I will note there are a few points in the book that I'm not quite sure of (he says at one point "God needs us" which definitely isn't true, though it becomes clear he's just using it for literary flair if you read it in context of the whole book) so as of all things don't read it uncritically. However, this book is well worth reading.

An unreal book, constantly stopping me in my tracks. I will reread this one again and again. A favorite moment:

The question is not "How am I to find God?" but "How am I to let myself be found by him?" The question is not "How am I to know God?" but "How am I to let myself be known by God?" And, finally, the question is not "How am Ito love God?" but "How am I to let myself be loved by God?" God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.

In all three parables which Jesus tells in response to the question of why he eats with sinners, he puts the emphasis on God's initiative. God is the shepherd who goes looking for his lost sheep. God is the woman who lights a lamp, sweeps out the house, and searches everywhere for her lost coin until she has found it. God is the father who watches and waits for his children, runs out to meet them, embraces them, pleads with them, begs and urges them to come home.

A theological and personal journey caused by Rembrandt’s painting. Deep and insightful; Nouwen unpacks how Jesus’ story and the painting transformed him.

It was an excellent reflection on the parable

Journaling prayerfully and contemplatively, Nouwen's musings add a new depth and richness to this beloved parable, moving the reader past the superficial and encouraging each one of us to see aspects of ourselves revealed in each character, and to confront our own character flaws lovingly but honestly.

I mean, just, yeah. "I am loved so much that I am left free to leave home" to "but grief is the discipline of the heart that sees the sin of the world, and knows itself to be the sorrowful price of freedom without which love cannot bloom"

This reminded me of the transformative love that is possible through both faith and people as a whole. I want to be better at loving others and to do that you have to recognize what love is and what it is not.