The Return of the Prodigal Son
Can a work of art change the course of a person’s life? Can it mold the way a man embraces his life’s work? Henri Nouwen, an author known for his book the Wounded Healer, a catholic priest and professor of divinity at Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard had such a life changing experience. He shares his spiritual journey whose genesis was the viewing of a reproduction of a Rembrandt painting based on the Biblical story of the return of the Prodigal Son, in his book by the same name. The search to understand why the painting had such a deep impact on his inner being would take him to St Petersburg Russia to view the original work. Captivated with the depth of expression in the gesture and demeanor of the characters, Nouwen would also study the life of the artist for insight.
Over a period of three years, as he moved through the process of leaving the academic life to serve in a community for the mentally impaired, the painting would create a crisis within. At its essence the work of art challenged his ability and willingness to deeply receive forgiveness and unconditional love. It finally moved him on to embrace others without question and freed him to deeply love. Nouwen’s journey demanded he come to terms with the character of the central figures in the painting as he saw their strengths and weaknesses in himself.
A close friend of mine introduced me to this book at a critical point in my life, where I too was encountering a piece of art work that would change the course of my life. Literature matters when it speaks to me and helps me understand my life. Nouwen’s experience acted as a sign post in my own personal journey as an artist who had laid aside my art. My catalyst would be a 20 x 16 foot stained glass window I was asked to develop a concept drawing for. The window would be installed into the sanctuary of my home church one year later. Although I did not feel qualified to take on the work, going forward in spite of my doubt enabled me to discover that my unique identity had a purpose I needed to embrace.
I identified with Nouwen whose crisis centered too on accepting himself as he truly was. He found in himself a son who was lost and longing for a home and for forgiveness. Nouwen also found a dutiful older brother who was burdened with resentment and unforgiveness and in as much need of release as the younger son. Finally Nouwen’s crisis ended as he identified himself with the father who welcomes and embraces without question. Nouwen was able to enter into his new vocation knowing he was home and serving where he was supposed to serve. In closing he says of his choice, “what greater joy can there be for me than to stretch out my own tired arms and let my hands rest in a blessing on the shoulders of my home-coming children?”
I am still in the midst of a journey a stained glass window began. Returning to school and picking up my brush and pen are part of my pilgrimage to understand a calling to use my art to express my faith. Nouwen’s homecoming gives me hope that I will one day find my voice.