Timothy P. Schmalz

Prodigal Son

This sculpture captures the grace of forgiveness. The hidden faces of both figures allow the viewers to see themselves in the work.

GEORGE GREY BARNARD

4th Sunday of Lent (C)

LOYOLA PRESS (2:59) – Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son” is perhaps the most famous and celebrated artwork depicting the parable of the prodigal son, also known as the parable of the forgiving father. Arts & Faith: Lent takes this painting as inspiration for a reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

Rembrandt – 1668

The Return of the Prodigal Son

IGNATIANSPIRITUALITY.COM

Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Return of the Prodigal Son is perhaps the most famous and celebrated artwork depicting the parable of the prodigal son, also known as the parable of the forgiving father, from the Gospel of Luke. Created near the end of Rembrandt’s life, the image is one of deep human awareness, mature spirituality, and a quiet invitation to contemplation. Rembrandt invites us into the parable at the moment when the younger son has just returned home, broken and begging for forgiveness. As his father embraces him, the older brother on the right looks on, while their mother, barely visible, looks on from the top left. Two additional figures, perhaps members of the household, observe the scene.

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RELATED: Imaginative Prayer Exercise

Guercino – 1619

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Rather than painting the scene where the father meets his son again for the first time and portraying joy and forgiveness, Guercino decided to paint the moment where the prodigal son is removing the old rags he was wearing. Some new clothes are awaiting him…In this painting, influenced by Caravaggio, we see a clear play of light and shade. What is very beautiful is how it is not the faces that are accentuated, but hands that are centre stage. The dynamics of the outstretched, reaching out and grasping hands is exquisite. Each hand tells a story, each hand is full of symbolism: a hand of forgiveness, a hand of warm embrace, a hand of reconciliation, hands of generosity, tenderness, etc…

SOURCE: Christian Art

Visual Catechesis

What It Means to Return to the Lord

EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY (3:30) – Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son, not only represents the parable itself but the deeper meaning of how even after we lose our way, God will rejoice when we return to Him. Art Historian and Author of “The Beauty of Faith,” Dr. Jem Sullivan, joins to tell us about the artist who painted this piece. Dr. Sullivan walks us through the painting and explains what the painting can teach us, especially as we enter the season of Lent. Dr. Sullivan also discusses the Repentant Magdalen painting.

4th Sunday of Lent (C)

4th Sunday of Lent (C)

The Rolling Stones

Prodigal Son – Official Lyric Video

This song was written by Robert Wilkins, a reverend who recorded Delta Blues in the 1920s and 1930s. Keith Richards enjoyed Blues music and discovered the work of Wilkins in the ’60s, which is how The Stones came across this song.

SOURCE: Art & Theology

4th Sunday of Lent (C)

The Prodigal Son Story

420PRAYER (9:10) – This is an artist’s rendering of “The Prodigal Son” Story from the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32 in the Bible. No matter where you are at or what you have done or what has been done to you by others, know that God loves you and is waiting for you with open arms to welcome you back home with Him. He is not angry with you. He loves you unconditionally and wants to be in a personal relationship with you through His Son Jesus. Maybe you’re not ready now, but if there is ever a day or night that you are feeling broken, lost or alone I hope pray you will remember this story and decide to come home into the loving arms of God.

DISCLAIMER: Although great lengths are made to NOT present artwork and films in poor taste, there is considerable variance on what may be deemed appropriate. Some prefer literal interpretations of bible scenes, others more abstract. While viewing the selections in this section, you may resonate more with some than others. Use your own judgement in showing/discussing content with others. A depiction of a bible event or scene might be liked by one participant, but disliked by another. In both cases, the art/film is likely to trigger personal experiences. Therefore,  it may be helpful to also be familiar with the variety of discussion questions related to each week’s readings. 

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:

Christian Art – Today’s Reading
LiturgyTools.net
Art & Theology
Art in the Christian Tradition

Godspell (1973)

Jesus of Nazareth

Lumo Project

BibleVideos.org

RECOMMENDED: Bible Films Blog

Superbook

A Father’s Love

A contemporary version of the biblical story of the Prodigal Son.

Prodigal

A River Runs Through It (1992)

BIBLE ENGAGER’S BLOG – Norman Maclean’s novel, A River Runs Through It, which was later made into a popular film staring Brad Pitt, draws on the prodigal son parable in many ways. Set in Montana in the 1920s, it tells the story of a father who is a Presbyterian minister and his two sons, Norman and Paul. Norman, the older son, is responsible and steady; whereas Paul, the younger son, is reckless and brash. Like the younger son in Jesus’s story, the younger son in A River Runs Through It is clearly headed for catastrophe but is beloved by his father.

DISCLAIMER: Although great lengths are made to NOT present artwork and films in poor taste, there is considerable variance on what may be deemed appropriate. Some prefer literal interpretations of bible scenes, others more abstract. While viewing the selections in this section, you may resonate more with some than others. Use your own judgement in showing/discussing content with others. A depiction of a bible event or scene might be liked by one participant, but disliked by another. In both cases, the art/film is likely to trigger personal experiences. Therefore,  it may be helpful to also be familiar with the variety of discussion questions related to each week’s readings.