Return of the Prodigal Son

Rating:
Summary: Humble Author Offers Superb Self-Portrait
Review: This magnificent work by Fr. Henri Nouwen has become my favorite of all his books. It is awe-inspiring, his depth of commitment to self-growth, to revealing his warts, flaws, shortcomings. His message here is that he refused to play victim, but instead recognized and made amends for however his ego played havoc with others. Because this is the central purpose of his book, it makes it even more disheartening whenever I read how Hillary Clinton keeps publicizing this book, interpreting it -- (See one of the first Oprah's "O" Magazine issues, for example, where Hillary gives a book review on it) -- as something she recommends for people like herself whom she feels are victimized, stating it helped her forgive others for their wrongdoing -- that's nice, but it turns inside-out this book's very concept. The whole point of Fr. Nouwen's writing this book was to acknowledge the need for self-honesty, and how he had hurt others, not how others hurt him. That is the greatness of this man -- that he was relentless in ferreting out where and how his rationalizations of his behavior drove him away, not towards, God. He was such a caring person and teacher; I'll ever miss him. Luckily, we have his books.

Rating:
Summary: It has changed my life
Review: What a look at the three persons in the parable and how we are all of them! I have never experienced a book that so magnificently gave me the message of being God's Beloved and being welcomed into His light and home. Nouwen's images are powerful as usual.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book; a simple but profound message
Review: What an incredible book. What a simple message, deeply explored and wonderfully exposited.

Henri Nouwen is a master of reflection, study, self-knowledge, and of writing beautiful, profound books. This book is amazing, perhaps life-changing. It has spoken to me in profound and deep ways, and I am deeply thankful for it.

Nouwen's main message, I think, is the unconditional, unfailing, all-surpassing love of the Father, this love that meets all needs easily. He puts himself in the place of the younger son, the older son, and the father, and considers this love - and the things that keep us from fully experiencing it - in all of these places, places that ring universal.

The media of realization here is the parable of course, but also Rembrandt's painting, Return of the Prodigal Son. It is profoundly helpful, fun, and provoking to consider this representation of the story and let it work spiritually in us, as it has in Father Henri. This book has more than opened my heart to the love of my Father, it has given me a new love for art, and a side education on Rembrandt and one of his most famous paintings.

In short, this is another truly rare, truly wonderful book from a modern mystic. Nouwen will be remembered, I hope, alongside Augustine, Lewis, and others I have yet to discover but now believe exist.

A sample:

"Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: "You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests"-the same voice that gave life to the first Adam and spoke to Jesus, the second Adam; the same voice that speaks to all children of God and sets them free to live in the midst of a dark world while remaining in the light. I have heard that voice. It has spoken to me in the past and continues to speak to me now. It is the never-interrupted voice of love speaking from eternity and giving life and love whenever it is heard. When I hear that voice, I know that I am home with God and have nothing to fear. As the Beloved of my heavenly Father, "I can walk in the valley of darkness: no evil would I fear." As the Beloved, I can confront, console, admonish, and encourage without fear of rejection or need for affirmation. As the Beloved, I can be tortured and killed without ever having to doubt that the love that is given to me is stronger than death. As the Beloved, I am free to live and give life, free also to die while giving life."

If you'd like to discuss this book with me, or recommend others, or just chat, e-mail me at [e-mail]. I'd love to talk with you.

Rating:
Summary: Art and Spirituality Together: What a Superb Piece of Work!
Review: When I began to read this book, I could not put it down. It certainly had a major influence in my life. I have bought a large quantity of it for my friends. I highly recommend this book or any other book written by Henri J.M. Nouwen for anyone seeking a more spiritual life.