Scripture
“ But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s
hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of
hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer
worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired
hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was
still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he
ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”—Luke
15:17–20
 Reflection
Next on the Temple worshiper’s path pilgrimage is an etching in
polished dark marble of the prodigal son parable. We see before us the
son, kneeling in repentance as his father rushes forward to greet him with
outstretched arms. The artwork includes the wording, “Once was lost…now is
found.”
This engraving echoes an art form known as iconography. It was
developed as a way of illustrating scripture stories for people who could
not read. The icon helped the person viewing it remember the entire story.
Within the scene a small person was placed in one corner to show the
worshiper what position to take, either physically or mentally, to assist
in experiencing the story.
In this scene on the worshiper’s path, we might find ourselves in the
position of the prodigal, repenting of the things that separate us from
God. We come before God in humility and trust in God’s compassion. We are
welcomed “home.”
Action
Find a personal symbol of the Divine Presence in your life (for
example: a cross, a stone, a picture of a loved one, a landscape
painting). Study the symbol and remember how it felt to come into God’s
presence. Share your symbol with your family or friends, explaining why it
is meaningful to you.
Prayer
I long for your presence, O God.
In the midst of my estrangement I seek to be connected.
Connected to you, connected to others, connected to self.
Why is it that I am so far from you?
What has caused this isolation of my heart?
How did my journey take me to this barren wasteland of loneliness?
I believe in your grace.
I believe in your need for my presence with you.
I believe in our partnership in all creative arts.
Give me courage, dear Friend, and insight too.
Courage and insight sufficient to explore the voids.
Courage and insight to understand my need for transformation.
Courage and insight to once again become intimate—
Intimate with you and all your beautiful creation.—Kenneth
McLaughlin
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