Lenten Devotional, Mar. 1

“But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was fill with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

In Rembrandt’s painting of the prodigal son, a dirty, tattered young man falls to his knees before his father. We cannot see his face but his body language speaks utter defeat. His elderly father bends over grasping his son’s shoulders. The father’s expression is one of deep love, pity and relief. It is, of course, the story of God’s unconditional love. The season of Lent is a time of repentance. The prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we have wandered, our heavenly father awaits our return with love and compassion and with open arms.

Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal Son. Hermitage Museum, Russia. Image from Wikimedia commons, Public Doman

Prayer: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into the time of trial, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Please view the beautiful, large print of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son which we have at Central. Take a few moments to contemplate this parable and Rembrandt’s interpretation of the story.

Karen Lindsay