Tag Archives: Prodigal Son

God-like choices

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ and the woman taken in adultery
Drawing in ink, c. 1639–41
Louvre

[Jesus] straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

Jesus always points out to us the God-like way to treat people. Mercy, compassion, nonviolence, forgiveness, patience, courtesy… these are God-like choices we can practice with everyone we meet.

Today I will have faith in Christ and imitate him. I will choose God-like practices in my interactions with all people.

Restored to harmony

Rembrandt (1606 – 1669)
The Return of the Prodigal Son /
De terugkeer van de verloren zoon
drawing with pen and brush
ca.1640 – ca.1645
Teylers Museum, Haarlem
Object number: O+ 048

[Jesus addressed this parable to them:] “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'” Luke 15:21

It isn’t easy to admit I’m wrong, that I’ve caused harm with my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors. But God is always calling me home to the original harmonic of goodness and love, peace and compassion. When I pay attention to God’s will for me, I find the humility to take responsibility for what I have done or failed to do.

Today I will turn to God and ask for the courage to take the initiative to be reconciled with God and my neighbor.

Not lost

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Return of the Prodigal Son
drawing with pen and brush
between 1626 and 1669
Teylers Museum, Haarlem

[Jesus said,] “‘He was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:32

I might feel like I’m lost, as if I have no direction, no purpose, no one who needs me… but whether I feel the Presence or not, God is always with me. I am never lost.

Today I will return to awareness, feel my breath, ask for help, and trust God hears, welcomes, and guides me home.

Welcome home

James. B. Janknegt 2 Sons Oil on canvas

James. B. Janknegt     2 Sons     Oil on canvas

How good it feels when someone is is keeping an eye out for my arrival and is happy to see me. A warm welcome is one of the best gifts there is.

Sometimes I feel I have wandered far from the love and serenity God offers me. Anxiety, financial worries, and illness can contrive to make me self-centered instead of God-centered. When I become aware of the spiritual starvation my self-absorption has caused, I take comfort in knowing God, the Master of Compassion, has been looking out for me and is here to welcome me home.

“While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.” Luke 15:20b