Grief, Forgiveness, Generosity . . .

Henri Nouwen identifies these three traits as belonging to the father in the story of the prodigal son. Mesmerized by Rembrandt's painting of the return of the prodigal, Nouwen writes a challenging portrayal of this story from Luke 15 in his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son.

With focus often given to the rebellious son who left home and family with his early inheritance, Nouwen challenges us to take a closer look at the elder son who stayed home. Truth be told, a judgmental and disgruntled attitude may describe more of us than outright rebellion (much like the Pharisees of Jesus' time and to whom he is telling the story).

Nouwen asks us to take an even closer look at the father. This, he says, is who we all should desire to become. The father grieves over sin, saddened when we miss the mark of what His Kingdom should look like. Yet, he graciously extends forgiveness, and on top of that is generous beyond comprehension.

The first time I heard a message on the elder son, I realized that I'm most like him, which was just as wrong as the younger son, if not worse! Until I read Nouwen's book, I never thought of becoming like the father. If all I see is that people sin and God forgives (which is true), but fail to miss the challenge of becoming like the father, then I have missed the crux of the story.

What a different world it would be if we became more like the father – traits that move us beyond ourselves.

Allowing my own sin and that of the world (injustice, abuse, misuse, exploitation, greed) to pierce my heart in such a way that I’m willing to do something about it, to make it right.

Stepping over pride, fear, and anger to extend forgiveness without condemnation, with no strings attached.

Choosing to freely give in love – a generous love that offers hope.

Nouwen writes, “This is not the picture of a remarkable father. This is the portrayal of God, whose goodness, love, forgiveness, care, joy, and compassion have no limits at all.”