Dear Parishioner,

Each time that I come across to the Parish Office form the Monastery, I pass a copy of Rembrandt’s great painting The Return of the Prodigal Son. This Sunday we shall be hearing in the Gospel the story that lies behind the theme of that great painting. It is a story rich in themes that will be unfolded in the homilies this weekend. But just for a moment think of what the story is usually and to whom attention is usually given. Quite often it is the prodigal son, sometimes his brother and sometimes the contrast between the two brothers. In Rembrandt’s picture it is the father who is the figure who is most prominent.

Henri Nouwen in his book The Return of the Prodigal Son wrote this: -

‘Instead o its being called The Return of the Prodigal Son, it could easily have been called ‘The welcome by the compassionate Father.’ The emphasis is less on the son than on the father. The parable is in truth a ‘Parable of the Father’s Love.’ Looking at the way in which Rembrandt portrays the father, there came to me a whole new interior understanding of tenderness, mercy, and forgiveness. Seldom, if ever, has God’s immense, compassionate love been expressed in such a poignant way.’

The love that is shown by the father to his son is an image of the love that our heavenly father has for each one of us. Our misuse of the gifts and talents that God has given us may not be so dramatic, or our waywardness so complete, but we all need the acceptance, compassion and forgiveness that the Father offers so generously.

As the Holy Father prepares to visit this country, it becomes very obvious that there are many who wish to deride all that our faith stands for. Let us pray for them their hearts may be turned to seek love and forgiveness which the Lord will surely give them. And let us pray for ourselves that we may be strengthened in faith and inspired to bolder deeds of witness and service by Pope Benedict.

 Yours in Christ

              D Dominic

    

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Papal Visit 16-19 September

1 weeks to go