Nouwen’s words (and Rembrant’s art) cast a much needed ray of light into a world increasingly darkened by grown up children (often in seats of power) masquerading as adults. Social media tells us to show off our younger brother lostness or cast shame on others from our place of elder brother self-righteousness. Nouwen and Rembrant remind us of Scripture’s call to seek the joy of fatherhood above the fleeting pleasure of wayward childhood. May we all look down at our aging hands and discover that they’ve been given to us to “stretch out toward all who suffer.” I’m deeply grateful for this book, for Rembrant’s art and for Nouwen’s calling.

It's one I've added to my list of only 4 other "must reads".

The renowned artist, Rembrandt, produced a magnificent and moving painting depicting the parable of the return of the prodigal son, with the son kneeling in the road in rags, the father bending compassionately over him, and the older brother standing rigidly to the side. Noted theologian Henri Nouwen was inspired by a reproduction of the painting to finally view the original and to write a book that is about you, me and all of us – each of us the son, the brother and the father as we make our way on our spiritual journeys. An essential read for all who seek to deepen their faith and understanding of this familiar story.