The Prodigal Son by Rembrandt

The younger son had reached destitution when he was reduced to feeding pigs. He said:

“I will get up and go to my father’s house and say to him: I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”

In the Gospel and in Rembrandt’s painting, the prodigal son is not able to finish his sentence as the father embraces him.  In the picture, the father is shown with a man’s hand and a woman’s hand. Does this represent God who is both male and female?  The Gospel story does not refer to the different hands, so it is speculation about what Rembrandt was representing. I have not included the elder brother as he was out working and only got home to hear the music and celebration.

Let us pause and reflect... 

Sr. Peter Fahy