The last two weeks we have heard different aspects of the Parable of the Prodigal (Wayward) Son, and have been reflecting on this story through the famous painting by Rembrandt. On May 6 we focused on the younger son, and our own tendancy to leave the home of our loving Father God searching for love in all the wrong places.

On May 13 we focused on the elder son, who though he stayed home as a son, had taken on an identity of slavery in relationship to his loving Father. Those of us who have grown up in the church easily fall into this trap as duty and envy replace joy and love.

Our final reflection took place on May 20 as we looked closer at the Father’s hands in the painting and our own call to imitate our Father in Heaven, like Father like son.  Julie designed an altar with hands, and we blessed the work of each other’s hands after the message while the choir sang, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

If you’d like to read the Scripture, it can be found in Luke 15:11-32.