This week's Gospel lesson is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This is a touching parable that can bring up all kinds of emotions ~ jealousy, joy, anger, gratitude. The three main characters are the father, the younger son, and the older son.

Rembrandt depicted this parable in his famous work, "The Return of the Prodigal Son." Spiritual writer and Catholic priest, Henri Nouwen, was captivated by this work of art and spent many hours studying it when writing his book by the same name. As he explains, "It had brought me into touch with something within me that lies far beyond the ups and downs of a busy life, something that represents the ongoing yearning of the human spirit, the yearning for a final return, an unambiguous sense of safety, a lasting home."

What feelings does this parable bring up for you? Are you touched in any way by Rembrandt's painting? Have there been times in your life when you have been the father or the younger brother or the older brother? Where do you find that sense of safety or lasting home?