Rembrandt’s powerful painting of the return of the prodigal captures the dynamics of parable – the humiliated prodigal, the welcoming, forgiving father, and the unhappy elder son. The elder son believes that his faithful obedience merits reward, while his brother’s shameful behavior deserves only punishment, not succor. The prodigal – knowing that his shameful behavior merits nothing, yet kneels in supplication for forgiveness. The
father embraces the returned son with love.
- Soundings by Fr. Fisher
