LENT 40 day time – Day 31
Scripture reading: “And he got up and went to his father. And when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt deeply sorry for him and ran and embraced him and kissed him warmly.” Luke 15:20
The Netherlands is an art lover’s paradise, just look at how impressive is the touching image of the prodigal son and the loving father, as painted by the artist Rembrandt.
The painting shows the father with a red cloak around him, a symbol of royal dignity and abundant love. But still, if we look at the face of the father, we see an expression of sadness and longing, due to the painful absence of his youngest son. The hands of the father tell a story of love and care. One hand is large and rough, an image of strength and protection, while the other hand rests soft and tender on his son’s shoulder, an expression of God’s Motherly love and unconditional acceptance.
We are reminded of the unconditional love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. Like the father in the painting, God holds us tight, presses us against His heart and embraces us with love and care, even in our darkest moments of wandering and absence. Lent is the opportunity to return…
Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unconditional love and care for us as your children. Help us to cling to you in times of sorrow and longing, and to rest in the knowledge that we are always safe in your embrace.” Amen.
Reflection questions:
- How does the image of the loving father speak to your heart? How do you experience the presence of God’s love in your own life?
- In what ways can we learn from the love and care of the father in the painting and apply it to our own relationship with God and others?
- What can we do to make ourselves more aware of the unconditional love and care of God in our everyday life during this Spring time?